Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a patient to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to an adjacent portion of an optical path and adjacent a sterile operative field. A video projector system and accompanying optics impart at least one of a tilted focal plane or depth of focus to the projected image. The optical path of the projected image is located adjacent the surgical field. An initially sterile display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the sterile field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen. The initially sterile display screen may be degradable upon cleaning and resterilization so that a new screen must be used with each procedure, thus insuring the optical quality and sterility of the screen. The display screen may be supported adjacent the surgical field by an articulated rod assembly.

Abstract: A braking system for a towed vehicle having a hydraulic brake system wherein a continuously variable hydraulic pressure is generated to provide a corresponding and proportional brake force in the towed vehicle. A hydraulic pressure generator having an electric motor with variable electric input is employed to provide a corresponding a proportional hydraulic pressure by a hydraulic pressure generator, wherein the resulting variable hydraulic pressure is employed to provide a proportional braking force in the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A part identification system for non-intrusively identifying a subset of parts cut from a sheet material. The part identification system includes a visual signal generator for projecting an identifying image associated with a given subset of cut parts. A labelling program accesses a database, generates a control signal including the part location and identifying image and sends the signal to a controller. The controller directs the identifying image from the visual signal generator to identify the cut parts.

Abstract: An electrostatographic apparatus and method for fixing toner particles to a receiver, involving the use of a new fusing roller that has a lifetime longer than previous rollers and that rarely, if ever, needs to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method for heat-sealing a sheet of heat-resisting polymer to a heat-resisting polymeric fitment, which enables the fabrication of a containment and delivery system for a bulk quantity of meltable adhesive, wherein a rigid container is lined by a heat-resisting flexible envelope, with a heater interposed between them. Ports are sealed to the envelope to permit the filling and draining of molten adhesive.

Abstract: A tool for installing a seal on a flange in a motor vehicle or the like comprises a generally cylindrical housing; a depressible actuator button extending outwardly from the surface of the housing; a sleeve surrounding the housing in rotatable engagement therewith; and a shoulder within the sleeve for engaging the actuator button when the sleeve is moved longitudinally with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A seal for releasably engaging a movable panel such as a glass panel in a motor vehicle is disclosed, the seal has a base with an open celled reservoir layer connected to the base and a contact layer connected to the reservoir layer by an adhesive retained at least partially in the cell structure.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled tuning apparatus for a stringed instrument, wherein the tension of a string is detected by a sensor, compared with a reference value, and readjusted if necessary until the detected value conforms with the reference value, thereby achieving a corresponding musical pitch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential valve specifically a cabin air discharge valve for use in the cabin pressure regulating system of an airplane. The valve has two valve stages for closing a valve port including a smaller first stage and a larger second stage. The first and second stages are connected to a common drive gear mechanism that actuates the smaller first valve stage separately and prior to actuating the larger second valve stage. Also disclosed is a method for regulating cabin pressure by means of the differential valve.

Abstract: A hand held unit is disclosed, the unit including a tracking signal generator and an access authorization signal generator, each signal generator being separately and independently actuatable by a user.

Abstract: A container for holding ice cubes and for controllably and quickly dispensing the ice cubes into a receiving vessel without undue spillage. The container includes a chute having a closed periphery.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention is designed to facilitate small repairs in walls. It is useable to repair dents, holes, and cracks in dry wall, plaster, stucco, or like materials. It is also useable to install drywall. The tool has a plurality of groove forming cutting edges which are used to cut into the damaged area or the non-beveled peripheries of newly installed panels to a predetermined depth. The grooves help loosen the material. A gouging blade of the tool is used to remove the weakened material and form a trough of a predetermined depth. Edges of the head of the tool project out on either side of the gouging blade to act as a depth control agent. The tool of the present invention is used in the method of the present invention in which a plurality of grooves are formed centered on a crack, criss cross grooves are also formed to further weaken the layer of the wall material, a trough is gouged out, netting is placed in the trough, and compound or plaster is spread into the trough.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite extrusion is disclosed wherein a main body portion (1) of the extrusion is first extruded from a thermosetting material, this body portion then being heated so as at least partly to cure it, the main body portion then being passed at high temperature through a further extruder where a thermoplastics material (8) is extruded onto one or more surfaces of the main body portion (1), the subsequent composite extrusion then being cooled and formed into its final shape.

Abstract: A telecentric zoom lens having telecentric forming aperture optically and preferably mechanically intermediate an objective lens and a zoom group. The aperture is fixed along an optical axis and selected to provide a constant speed on an image side of the lens system. The location of the aperture relative to the zoom group maintains telecentricity of the lens in object space.

Abstract: Weatherseal includes two contact elements at a base portion or a domed profile portion that are coextruded electrically conductive profile portions separated by insulating profile portions, the contact elements being oriented in a longitudinal direction along the hollow profile and protruding into a hollow chamber. The contact elements have electrically conductive contact surface areas arranged at an inner side of the profile portion or at the base portion the contact surface area being coextruded electrically conductive profile portions. Contact of the contact elements and/or the contact surface areas together with the contact elements activates a switching action for controlling a drive assembly of a closing device.

Abstract: A new method of forming a photogate structure called a “Charge Snare Device” (CSD) uses only a single layer of polysilicon where prior art methods used two or more layers for constructing the gate nodes. Typical CCD structures utilize three layers of polysilicon and CID structures utilize two layers of polysilicon and neither of the prior art structures are suitable for standard sub micron processes. The new CSD device allows biasing of the photogate to the full potential that the process will allow for greater full well for a given pixel size and therefore an improved signal to noise ratio. Charge transfer between the collection site and the sense site isn't controlled as in all previous devices, rather the collection site is completely enclosed by the sense site, effectively snaring all collected photon generated charge as it diffuses and drifts to the sense site. The new photogate structure is suitable for passive pixels, Active Pixel Sensors (APS) or Active Column Sensors (ACS).

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for opening tubular locks in which a tubular key is receivable. The tool includes a plurality of probes that are releasably retained and secured in a given position to align the shear points in the lock in an opening position. The probes can be ergonomically and individually manipulated and have a course and a fine adjustment, such that the shear point of each tumbler can be easily and efficiently determined. Once the shear point is determined, the probe may be fixed in the position to maintain each tumbler driver.