Abstract: A method for automated design of orthotic and prosthetic devices has been developed. The method includes scanning a three dimensional model of the patient's limb with a laser scanner. The model is loaded into a computer for use in manufacturing an orthotic or prosthetic device. Before the model is used, it is modified by reducing the overall volume of the model by up to twelve percent of the total volume. Also the model's distal end length is reduced by a calculated percentage of the thickness of a prosthetic liner to be worn with the prosthetic device.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable antenna system. The antenna system includes an inflatable lenticular dish. The dish is enclosed in an inflatable radome. The inflatable radome stabilizes the orientation of the dish and protects it from environment conditions such as wind.

Abstract: Described are a self-lubricating, overhead conveyor system and the component parts thereof. The self-lubricating overhead conveyor system obviates the need for added lubricants, and comprises three main components: a trolley assembly, a conveyor chain and a turn wheel assembly. In one embodiment, all three components are integrated to provide an improved overhead conveyor system; however, individual components may be used to retrofit conventional overhead conveyor systems. The trolley assemblies contain a self-lubricating precision ball bearing assembly, and are joined together by a surface hardened conveyor chain internally treated to resist corrosion and eliminate flaking. The turn wheel assemblies are configured to engage the conveyor chain and provide continuous lubrication and cleaning to the conveyor chain. All components of the conveyor system of the present disclosure meet criteria established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in food processing applications.

Abstract: A linear hydraulic actuator mounted to the frame of a trailer to drive a slider longitudinally and return the slider to its rest position urging a ramp about a horizontal transverse axis such that the ramp moves between a stowed position and an extended position. The slider is operatively connected to a parallel rod which is connected to a bell crank on a pivotally mounted stand beneath the end of the trailer such that as the slider moves the stand is concomitantly urged between a stowed position and a deployed ground engaging position.

Abstract: A dispenser for scents and aromas is disclosed. The dispenser includes at least one pad that is impregnated with a scent material. The pad is fitted in two opposing segments that fit together in a telescoping manner that form an airtight seal to prevent the scent material from evaporating or leaking. The segments are connected by a flexible strap that also serves as a hanger for the dispenser when it is deployed to dispense the scent material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing and dispensing bonusing system for electronic gaming devices, particularly a casino gaming device, which includes at least one detection device which is adapted for connection to an electronic apparatus, the detection device operative to detect selected event occurrences on an electronic apparatus and output event occurrence notification signals upon detection of an event. An event detection sampling device is connected in information transmission connection with the detection device, the event detection sampling device operative to detect and receive event occurrence notification signals from the detection devices, analyze the received event occurrence notification signals and output event occurrence information signals including information specifying selected event occurrences.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and material which assist in the coagulation and containment of blood from a wound produced as a result of medical procedures which require blood to be drawn, such as with a lancet or a needle or the like. The device is a compact, portable unit that dispenses an appropriate amount of absorbent material for the collection and coagulation of blood. The absorbent material comprises a non-absorbent backing coupled with an absorbent top layer. The absorbent material may also contain medicaments that assist in the coagulation and wound healing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering objects, particularly payloads being shipped on flat bed trailers. The apparatus has a slidable hoist connected to a track suspended over a payload. The hoist has a retractable line which is connected to a spreader bar that can be connected to a covering that will be lifted and spread over the payload as the hoist is maneuvered by a remote controlled system along the track. The apparatus also has a rod that traverses beneath and near one end of the track. The rod provides support to the trailing portion of the covering as it is pulled over the payload by the hoist.

Abstract: A stowable and extendable step to facilitate entry by a person into a vessel from the water is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a support that may act as a handle and a step, a strap, the lower end of which is attached to the support, and a keeper comprising a substantially planar, foldable piece of material. The upper end of the strap is attached to the vessel, either directly or indirectly. The keeper has upper and lower areas, each with releasable fasteners (such as Velcro) on at least a portion of its perimeter, the fasteners on the upper area complementary to and interlocking with those on the lower area. The lower area of the keeper may thus be folded up and into contact with the upper area, forming an enclosure. The strap is gathered inside said enclosure, with the end attached to the handle extending from the upper junction of the upper and lower areas, such that the handle when pulled will cause the strap to extend and enclosure to open.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray imaging system that comprises a high ratio, high primary transmission anti-scatter grid in combination with a dynamic X-ray tube output function to eliminate or reduce gridline artifacts. Conventional X-ray imaging systems utilizing conventional anti-scatter grids generally require that the grid be moved a distance of at least 20 grid pitches to eliminate gridline artifacts. Through the use of the anti-scatter grid and dynamic output function described, such artifacts are eliminated or substantially reduced when the grid travels a short distance. Any function that has zero frequency components at positive integer multiples of the reciprocal of the grid repeat time will completely suppress gridline artifacts. Any function that is equal to the convolution of an arbitrary function with a rect function whose width is a positive multiple of the grid repeat time will fit this criterion, and its use will completely suppress gridline artifacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing or refurbishing thermoplastic drums. A damaged drum, or at least a damaged portion thereof, is heated until it reaches a softened state and is then drawn over a template, or mold, having the substantially the same shape and size of an undamaged drum. The drum is allowed to cool sufficiently to return to its hardened state, whereby it substantially assumes the shape of the template. The refurbished drum is then removed from the template and is essentially ready to be used again.

Abstract: An insert feeding assembly includes an insert support, an overlapping feeding assembly, a separating assembly, and a main drive assembly. The insert support provides support for a stack of inserts, the overlapping feeding assembly converts the stack of inserts into an overlapping stream of inserts, and the separating assembly separates individual inserts from the overlapping stream and ejects these separated inserts out of the feeding assembly. The insert support includes an insert plate assembly and an insert guide assembly. The overlapping feeding assembly includes a suction cup assembly, a lap roller drive assembly, and a belt conveyor assembly. The separating mechanism includes a speed up roller assembly. The feeding assembly includes approximately 50% fewer parts than other known feeders and can operate at a printer press speed of approximately 75,000 inserts per hour.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting automobile seats to an automobile assembly plant is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container and a storage bracket located within the container. The storage bracket stores the seats by sets. A single set contains all of the seats necessary for installation in a single automobile. This allows all of necessary seats for one automobile to be unloaded from a single container.

Abstract: The art has experienced difficulty obtaining “sound” welds with high-nickel welds above the second pass. Particular problems are tension anomalies and sub-optimal interweld pass fusion at higher order passes of the weld wire, along with undesirably high heat levels transferred to the workpiece. The inventors have discovered that ductile iron-to-ductile iron welds can be reliably formed at mission-critical junctures by compensating for the brittle nature of the heat affected zone through enhancing ductility of the weld itself. The present invention provides in continuing part for a highly durable weld without soundness problems such as tension anomalies, multilayer fusion imperfections, or pinholes; and a method of forming such a weld. The weld is created using high nickel weld wire (filler metal or consumable electrode, or both) welded in a pure inert gas (or mixture of pure inert gasses and even reducing gasses).

Abstract: A device for restraining payloads to a surface, particularly heavy objects being transported by various modes of transportation, such as a flat bed trailer, The device includes a tensionable member with loops at opposite ends that is secured to the front to rear frame Tails which run lengthwise on the underside of a flat bed trailer. The device further includes chains or other restraining elements that are secured to the loops at the opposite extremities of the tensionable member, pass over or through the side rails of the flat bed trailer and over or through the payload. The device also has ratchet binders or other tightening device to achieve tightening of the restraining elements The device, which is relatively light in weight, achieves increased restraint of payloads during transportation without significantly adding to the total weight of the payload.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved support for an optical device. The support is preferably made from lightweight materials such as aluminum so that it can be carried by a user to a given area for use. In addition, the support is designed so that it can be folded into a,compact state for easy transport to a given area for use. The support is also designed so that it can be attached to objects that were not designed to receive a support for an optical device and still place the mount (which is attached to the optical device) in a position suitable for use.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for cooling fuel by means of the cold side of a thermoelectric unit just prior to entry of the fuel into the fuel delivery components (injectors, carburetors and throttle bodies). An excess of cooling is supplied sufficient to cool the fuel delivery components so as to provide an additional buffer of cooling for the fuel and to prevent substantial re-absorption of heat after the fuel is cooled. The hot side of the thermoelectric unit is cooled by a secondary cooling fluid system separate and distinct from the principal cooling fluid system for the engine block. In one embodiment, excess fuel is shunted by a fuel bypass pressure regulator to a fuel bypass line, and the excess fuel is the cooling fluid which is returned to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A construction block, bed gasket and butt gasket are described, as well as a unique construction method for constructing a construction array utilizing the construction blocks and gaskets. The construction blocks comprise a first and second load bearing faces, first and second engaging faces, an inner face and an outer face, which faces define a block passage, as well as at least one lifting rod to aid in assembly of the construction array. The construction method utilizes bed gasket and butt gasket to provide for ease of assembly of the construction blocks, as well as other benefits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile radiographic unit with improved x-ray scatter control. Improved x-ray scatter control is provided through the alignment of the system with the focal line of an anti-scatter grid. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an x-ray source assembly, a tube housing mounting, an automatic measuring means, a motion control means and a processing means in communication with the automatic measuring system and the motion control system. The alignment of the system occurs with minimal input by the operator.