Abstract: A two-wire constant current powered transducer (10) for detecting, integrating and transmitting an acceleration signal (50) received from a piezoelectric crystal (12). The crystal is operatively coupled to rotating machinery (M) such that rotating anomalies correlative of wear or potential failure can be detected early enough for preventative maintenance. The transducer (10) includes two stages (30, 40). The first stage (30) is an integrator which integrates the acceleration to velocity. The second stage (40) is a gain stage. The gain stage operates with a PNP transistor emitter follower to control the output DC bias level and route the integrated acceleration signal back to the control system.

Abstract: A wheeled body (12) is provided having deck (14) with a framework (20) coupled thereto such that the volume outlined by the deck (14) and the framework (20) is unobstructed. The framework (20) consists of two framed ends vertically extending up from the deck (14) and a framed roof therebetween. The ends of the framework (20) can be enclosed by a variety of materials and are attached to recesses (16) in the four corners of the deck (14). The roof and longitudinal sides of the framework (20) are covered by an integrally formed shroud (90) that is secured to the roof of the framework (20). The sides are covered and uncovered by a scrolling mechanism (120) located at each end of the wheeled body (12). Each scrolling mechanism (120) is coupled through a 90.degree. gear knuckle joint (200) to a scrolling rod (122) that is placed into and fastened to a loop (108) formed at the longitudinal edges (110 ) of the shroud (90). The scrolling mechanism (120) vertically scrolls one side of the one piece shroud (90).

Abstract: A helical torsion spring is provided having an adjustable spring rate. The torsion spring includes a main spring formed from a coil of wire having a first end and a second end. The wire extends away from the first end to form a first arm and away from the second end to form a second arm. The main spring is loaded torsionally by angular displacement of the first arm with respect to the second arm about a central axis passing through a geometric center of the coil. An inside diameter of the coil defines a core. An adjustment spring is oriented within the core. The adjustment spring is formed from adjustment spring wire configured in a manner similar to that of the main spring. The adjustment spring exhibits an exterior diameter not less than the inside diameter of the main spring. The adjustment spring is rotatable to threadably adjust a proportion of the core of the main spring that includes the adjustment spring therein.

Abstract: An article lifting container (10) is provided which includes an outer housing (50) with a lift (100) within an interior thereof supporting a shelf (150). The lift (100) automatically adjusts a position of the shelf (150) vertically depending on a weight of articles (30) placed upon the shelf (150). The lift (100) includes a base (110) supported by the housing (50) and which in turn supports a spring (130) between the base (110) and the shelf (150). An alignment post (120) aligns the shelf (150) to motion only vertically away from and toward the base (110). A sleeve (140) is fixedly attached to the shelf (150) and surrounds the alignment post (120). The sleeve (140) prevents the shelf (150) from pivoting due to uneven loads of articles upon the shelf (150).

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic instrument for use in the treatment of living organisms is provided including a sensor for detecting magnetic fields emanating from the living organism. The sensor is located proximate to the organism and is formed from a ferromagnetic core surrounded by a multi-turn fine wire coil. The sensor is coupled to signal processing which amplifies a signal from the sensor and filters out portions of the signal which represent background magnetic fields emanating from other sources. The signal from the sensor is utilizable to detect abnormalities in the field emanating from the organism indicative of the organism's well-being. The signal can also be utilized to excite a magnetic field radiator which outputs a field complementary to the field emanating from the organism.

Abstract: A targeted fluid delivery system (110) is provided for delivering a treatment fluid (F) into tubes (I) of a tube and shell type heat exchanger such as in a condenser (C), typically used in a power plant. The system (110) targets tile treatment fluid (F) delivery to separate regions (R) of tubes (I) such that the concentration of the treatment fluid (F) within the tubes (I) of the targeted region (R) is greater than a concentration of the treatment fluid (F) upon mixing with water from other tubes (I) outside of the targeted region (R) at an outlet (O). The system (110) includes a plurality of manifold tiles (160) oriented in fixed relationship to a tubesheet (100) of the condenser (C) at an inlet thereof such that the manifold tiles (160) are rigidly held in place, but do not block the tubes (I) of the condenser (C). The treatment fluid (F) is delivered to the tubes (I) through injectors (180) in the manifold tiles (160).

Abstract: A continuous pyrolysis system includes an enclosure which receives an influx material at an entrance thereto and discharges a pyrolysate at a discharge therefrom. The entrance directs influx material into the enclosure while evacuating oxygen from the influx material. A conveyor is provided within the enclosure transporting the influx material from the entrance to the discharge. Pyrolysis is caused by a series of heat sources overlying the conveyor belt, the heat sources each including a parabolic reflective surface to enhance radiation heat transfer into the influx material. The pyrolysate is discharged in solid form through an output auger, in liquid form through a liquid outlet and in gaseous form through a gas outlet. The continuous pyrolysis system includes controls to provide a speed of the conveyor belt, completeness of the pyrolysis process, temperature of the heat sources and maintenance of an anaerobic environment within the enclosure.

Abstract: An ambidextrous, single hand data management device that has been ergonomically optimized to facilitate multiple key per character input, chording. The device has an arrangement of multiple keys which are so situated that the device can be held in either the left or the right hand, by a large range of hand sizes, and data can be quickly and conveniently input, that is, any combination of keys can be quickly and conveniently actuated with a "Microwriting" chordic type of data input, without a hand strap and without dropping the device. The ergonomic arrangement of keys on the casing allows for the device to remain stationary relative to the palm of the hand while that hand is in a multiplicity of orientations. The device can serve as a primary data input device or as a data storage and retrieval device for things like inventory control, names and addresses or daily schedule reminders or, as a combination of all of these.

Abstract: A torque transmitting, bicycle frame coupling which connects to the frame tubes, replacing a portion of those tubes and having teeth on their engaging faces. Proper installation of two such couplings allows up to a 25 inch men's style bicycle with up to 700C (26 inch rim diameter) wheels to be cut in two pieces so that it fits in a suitcase with a combined height, width and girth measurement no larger than 62 linear inches and then be put back together with no loss of original frame geometry or stiffness. Each coupling is actuated, pulling the bicycle pieces together and joining them through use of specialized teeth under compression by a threaded lug, a removable-shoulder lug with a removable shoulder and a threaded coupling nut. The removable shoulder makes the nut and shoulder replaceable, and makes possible an additional shoulder on the tube connecting end of the removable-shoulder lug to keep the nut from slipping onto the frame and scratching the paint.

Abstract: A pruning vehicle having characteristics specifically utilizable in an orchard having rows of trees opposite each other. The vehicle is equipped with two platforms side by side which can be adjustably located vertically and horizontally in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle's motion. Each platform is controllable by an operator standing upon the platform through foot pedals incorporated thereon. Platforms are elevated above the vehicle by lifting structures designed to keep the platforms level to the ground at all times. The platforms are connected to a frame of the vehicle at a low slung central portion of the frame for added stability. Wheels of the vehicle are of a thin disc shape. Each wheel can slice through soft surfaces such as mud to attain a firm foundation for the pruning vehicle. Fins and teeth on the wheels provide added traction. Mud deflectors on the wheels prohibit mud from climbing up too high onto or bogging down the pruning vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a casting in a cold metal repair process includes a plurality of drilling fixtures which facilitate the creation of one or more lock receiving recesses positioned generally transverse to the casting crack. The lock receiving recesses are formed of a single sized circular bore combination having alternating double and single circular portions to maximize strength. A plurality of correspondingly configured metal locks are inserted into the lock receiving recesses to provide transverse metal locks drawing the casting portions on each side of the crack together. A plurality of threaded bores are formed along the remainder of the casting crack in overlapping spacing which receive a corresponding plurality of stitching pins. The stitching pins each define threaded shaft portions having pointed ends and undersized major pitch diameter threads adjacent the pointed ends.

Abstract: A method for pressing a hair weft (10) is provided as well as an article of manufacture. The hair Weft (10) includes a weave (50) which connects attached ends (A) of individual hairs (H) to the weave (50). The weave (50) has a vinyl composition (100) applied thereto along a length thereof while the weave (50) is attached to a lower platen (20). Once multiple coats of the vinyl composition (100) have been applied to the weave (50) and allowed to dry, an upper platen (30) is placed over the weave (50). Clamps (34) are then utilized to press the upper platen (30) down onto the lower platen (20) pressing the vinyl composition (100) and weave (50). The resulting pressed weft (10') more securely bonds the hairs (H) to the pressed weave (50') and decreases a thickness of the pressed weave (50'). The hair weft (10') can then be utilized more effectively for a variety of different uses.

Abstract: An archery bow where the individual limbs can be independently tuned at an area where they connect with top and bottom portions of the handle. The tuning is coupled with a connection structure which lengthens the moment arm that had heretofore been used in connecting limbs to the bow's handle to reduce the amount of force required to hold the bow in a drawn, cocked position and alter the force profile along the stroke of the draw by increasing the force administered to the arrow on release of the string.

Abstract: A dental prophylaxis cup (10) is provided. The cup (10) is rotatably attachable to prophy angles (D) and hence to a dental handpiece. An interior (60) of the prophylaxis cup (10) includes a sidewall (62) extending upwardly and outwardly from a floor (64) of the interior (60) to a rim (50) at a top of the prophylaxis cup (10). The side wall (62) includes projections (70) extending therefrom. Each projection (70) completely surrounds a confinement region (73). Adjacent projections (70) are spaced apart by a gap (78). The gap (78) defines an upper end of an impoundment region (80) located between the floor (64) and confinement regions (73), separated therefrom by projections (70). Polishing compound is retained within the confinement region (73) and impoundment region (80) either until sufficient force (P) is applied, or the cup (10) is distorted, causing the polishing compound to migrate toward the rim (50).

Abstract: A parts cleaning machine (10) is provided which includes a cabinet (50) with a rotating carousel (60) therein for supporting articles to be cleaned and a spray bar network (80) for directing cleaning fluid (F) against articles supported upon the carousel (60). The carousel (60) is enclosed within the cabinet (50). A sink (100) is also provided which receives fluid (F) from a line (126) which taps into the spray bar network (80) to utilize cleaning fluid (F) provided by a fluid delivery system (250). The cabinet (50) includes a reservoir (90) at a bottom thereof which collects cleaning fluid (F) utilized by the spray bar network (80) and utilized within the sink (100). A filter (150) processes water from the reservoir (90) to remove contaminants from the cleaning fluid (F). The parts cleaning machine (10) can simultaneously wash articles within the cabinet (50) and within the sink (100).