Abstract: A compound rotary-reciprocal engine with multiple cylinders of a reciprocator component coupled to a positive displacement, rotary compressor-expander, with systems for coordinating the cycle timing of each cylinder with the timing of the rotary compressor-expander and with systems enabling the efficient operation of the coupled components as a unitary engine in a wide range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A leg brace usable after knee ligament surgery utilizing first and second members which are held to the femoral and tibial portions of the leg. A hinge mechanism is also included in the brace for permitting pivotal rotation between the first and second members with the bending or flexion of the knee. A bar is extended across a selected portion of the leg. The bar is biased against the leg by a spring to prevent translation between the tibia and femoral for a particular angular range of extension of the knee portion of the leg.

Abstract: A lenticular lens for eyewear and method for making the same, the lens being formed with a curved substrate having a plurality of lentoid impressions formed preferably on the inner surface of the substrate by a mold that includes curved, opposed mold pieces, one mold piece having an inset with parallel posts forming a composite face that is ground to a predetermined first curvature for optical correction, and then reoriented by sliding the posts to a predetermined second curvature complimentary to curvature of the opposed mold piece for imprinting thin lens blanks with multiple lentoid impressions for lightweight recreational eyewear.

Abstract: A device for separating selected components from a colloidal suspension utilizing a vessel capable of holding the colloidal suspension. A membrane permeable to selected components of a colloidal suspension is sealed over a support to form a leaf element. The leaf element includes an outlet for the selected components of the colloidal suspension and is extended into the colloidal suspension. The leaf element is controllably vibrated and simultaneously with application of a negative or positive pressure which is used to motivate permeation of the membrane by selected components of the colloidal suspension.

Abstract: A device for detecting keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) utilizing a probe including a body having an end portion. A plurality of electrical contacts are mounted in spaced configuration at the end portion of the probe body for simultaneous contact with the tear fluid of the ocular conjunctiva, or components thereof. An electrical potential is applied to at least one of the plurality of the electrical contacts and electrical activity, such as conductance, between the one electrical contact to another electrical contact is measured relative and the interposed tear fluid.

Abstract: A venetian blind structure using a slat unit having first and second members adjacent one another. The edge portions of the first and second members are hingedly attached to one another. First and second lines are held to the edge portions of the slat unit and are used to tilt the slat when a first and second line are simultaneously pulled in opposite directions.

Abstract: A wheel cover for a vehicle utilizing a mounting member including a first surface and opposite second surface. The mounting member also includes a multiplicity of openings of two types. The first type of larger opening fits over an existing lug bolt and nut of the vehicle wheel, while the second type of smaller opening merely fits over the lug bolt. Thus, removal of only certain nuts is required to hold the mounting member to a vehicle wheel. A multiplicity of resilient projections at least partially surround the second group of small openings. The resilient projections permit the normal seating of a lug nut with a lug bolt while employing the ramped portion of the lug nut to hold the mounting member and other wheel accessories to the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A device for texturing the surface of freshly poured concrete utilizing a platform having first and second surfaces. A plurality of loops are spaced along and extend from the first surface of the platform. The plurality of loops are resiliently and detachably connected to the platform for movement with the platform.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder, a piston reciprocally movable in the cylinder, the cylinder and piston defining in part a chamber for combustion, intake means for introducing air into the cylinder at predetermined intervals, exhaust means for removing combustion gases from the cylinder at predetermined intervals, and a regenerator liner in at least a part of the chamber, the liner having a structure with surfaces defining a plurality of regenerative cells constructed to cyclically admit, hold and discharge compressed air from the cylinder for thermally insulating the cylinder from the heat of combustion, the engine including a mechanism to maintain the piston displaced from the cylinder to avoid contact of the piston with the liner and including a positive displacement, rotary compressor-expander to precompress air delivered to the piston cylinder and receive combustion gases from the cylinder to drive the compressor-expander.

Abstract: The tool for permitting a wrench to turn a harmonic balancer and crank shaft connected to the same. The tool employs a base which may be fixed to the harmonic balancer. The base includes an opening bored through the base to form a cavity. The cavity includes wall portions having a faceted surface and a threaded surface spaced from one another. The threaded member engages the threaded surface of the cavity and extends through the opening into engagement with the crank shaft.

Abstract: A compact, multimode propulsion system for aerial vehicles having multiple thermal cycles for selective independent or integrated operation in multiple modes to enable the propelled vehicle to operate in a full range of velocities under a variety of atmospheric conditions and efficiencies, the system including a turbo-jet unit with an air compressor, a gas turbine and an intermediate fuel injected combustor in association with an auxiliary combustor unit that includes a supplemental fuel and selective oxidizer supply, and a conversion system for selectively converting the auxiliary combustion unit into a secondary burner mode for the turbo-jet unit, an independent rocket mode operable with or without the turbo-jet unit or in independent ram-jet mode operable with or without the turbo-jet unit, the turbo-jet unit and auxiliary combustor system having separate exhaust systems for directional mobility of the vehicle to which the propulsion system is applied.

Abstract: An improved dynamic sagittal knee test apparatus having a skeletal frame structure with a thigh portion attachable to a patient's thigh, a shin portion attachable to a patient's shin and an interconnecting spanning linkage portion connecting the thigh portion to the shin portion, the interconnecting linkage assembly having three axial transducers for measuring arcuate displacements on three primary perpendicular axes for measuring leg flexion, varus-valgus angular displacement, and axial rotation of the tibia relative to the femur, the three transducers being arranged to take measurements without reconfiguration of linkage in the spanning link portion of the test apparatus, the apparatus including a patella assembly with an additional transducer for measuring anterior-posterior displacements of the tibia relative to the femur.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizing a clamp mechanism for holding a rotating body limp. A mechanical arm is linked to the clamp mechanism and rotatably connects to a pivot member. The angular rotation of the mechanical arm about the pivot member is measured simultaneously with force exerted by the rotating body limb on the clamp mechanism. A strain gage is linked to the clamp mechanism to provide such force measurement.

Abstract: An exercise device that is light in weight and designed in particular to exercise the thighs, the device having a pair of opposed curved brace members, which are interconnected by two still coil springs, the brace members having straps for fastening the brace members against the inner thighs of a user. The exercise device is designed for other different exercises and is easily taken with the user during travel.

Abstract: A rivet for holding together first and second members utilizing a shaft having first and second end portions. The first and second end portions of the shaft at least partially occupy the openings through the first and second members respectively. A cap having an internal bore grips the first end of the shaft which is extended through the first member. The cap has an enlargement including an exterior surface for frictionally engaging the opening through the first member. The shaft also includes an enlargement on the second end portion which is capable of frictionally engaging the second member.

Abstract: An upper reflector system for a fluorescent troffer utilizing a double tube florescent lamp oriented vertically relative to a downward surface to be lighted. Intersecting lower louvers form a multiplicity of cells through which the fluorescent lamp passes. An upper reflector system directs light originating with the lamp outwardly from the fixture in multiple directions.

Abstract: A brake signal for a vehicle utilizing a housing having a chamber and a base portion. The chamber includes a first opening leading to the inside from the exterior of the housing. A source of light, activated by the vehicle brake, is mounted within the chamber at a certain level above the base of the housing. A translucent pattern panel is mounted in the first opening. A second opening is also included in the chamber at a level above the source of light. The light source is positioned between the first and second openings to the chamber to permit the driver of the vehicle to ascertain the proper operation of the signal.

Abstract: A tendon leader used in knee surgery utilizing an elongated stem member. The stem includes a leading end and a trailing end. A tendon engaging tube is held to the stem for guiding placement of a tendon in a knee.