Abstract: A substantially closed apparatus for deflecting and retaining waste fluids issuing from the ear canal of a patient being irrigated by a caregiver. The device is preferably transparent thereby allowing the caregiver to accurately manipulate the irrigator within the ear canal and to monitor the waste retainer to determine when the container must be emptied. The substantially closed configuration of the device prevents waste fluids issuing from the ear canal from contacting and contaminating the caregiver which could result in the transfer of infection and disease.

Abstract: An adjustable concrete mold which varies the height of a side form on a casting bed to any desired height, The device is also of a construction which allows total exposure of the sides of a hardened concrete element after casting and which allows complete clearance of the side form away from the main bed to allow easy removal of the hardened concrete element from the main bed.

Abstract: A trenching bridge mounting interface for a trenching machine that is adjustable to alter the effective length of a fixed length bridge so as to accommodate trenching bars of different lengths. The interface includes a prime mover mounting structure that is releasably secured to the prime mover of the trenching machine and a bridge mounting structure attached to the fixed length bridge. The effective length of the bridge is adjusted between a short length and a long length by reversing of the prime mover mounting structure.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a hull and pair of multiple-flighted outriggers which coact to stabilize and propel the vehicle over land and water. The speed and direction of the vehicle is controlled by a joystick allowing an operator to move the craft over land and water with a single hand. The multiple flighting and positioning of the outriggers adds efficiency and stability to the vehicle while the joystick control adds ease of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and spraying a catalyst with a resin onto a surface. The resin and catalyst are delivered to a mixer having no O-rings which could become clogged with catalyzed resin and destroy the gun. The manifold is connected to a mixer which is connected to an air supply. The spray gun eliminates the need for any check valves within the manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically performing bookkeeping upon a plurality of accounting journal entries having at least one account number and at least one data component associated with each account number. A chart of accounts having account numbers and opening balances associated with the plurality of journal entries is read electronically. A set of account-section numbers is then created for each account number. The journal entries are electronically read and one of the account-section numbers is assigned to each account number. The assigned account-section numbers and associated data components are then sorted in a predetermined order. A design for the predetermined order is identified and compared with stored design records to see if such a design already exists. If not, the new design is stored. If so, the associated data components are added to the accumulated total for each account-section number.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and spraying a catalyst with a resin onto a surface. The apparatus is provided with a restricted orifice union on the resin line running into the manifold. The union traps large plugs of resin and prevents them from entering and clogging the manifold. The union is designed so that plugs of resin may be easily removed from the resin line with only a minimum of down time.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and spraying a catalyst with a resin onto a surface. The resin and catalyst are internally mixed in confluence with pressurized air. The sprayer is provided with a specially designed check valve to prevent resin and catalyst from entering the pressurized supply line. The construction of the check valve prevents it from clogging or becoming stuck shut during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and spraying a catalyst with a resin onto a surface. A pressure gauge is attached to the manifold of a spray gun to monitor the pressure of catalyst within the manifold. The pressure gauge warns of and diagnoses problems with the apparatus ranging from a damaged pump to a plug in the manifold.

Abstract: A flow regulating assembly for restricting plastic material from flowing directly from a central chamber of an injection piston to an accumulator cavity of a plastic injection machine and instead directing the plastic material towards the wall of the accumulator cavity thereby providing a scouring effect and reducing build-up of the plastic material on the wall of the accumulator cavity. The flow regulating assembly includes a valve member having a central opening located proximate to and in corresponding alignment with the central chamber of the injection piston and four branch passageways extended from the central opening of the valve member to external openings in a circumferential groove in an outer edge of the valve member, the outer edge of the valve member which is concentric with and proximate to the wall of the accumulator cavity. Four channels are located on a conical-shaped head portion of the valve member proximate to the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A releaseable spacer assembly for the cover members of a binder for holding paper and the like, the releaseable spacer assembly allowing for the spacing of the cover members in a substantially parallel relationship for even stacking and standing of several binders while maintaining the cover members in a closed position when the releasable spacer assembly is in place. The releaseable spacer assembly comprises a longitudinal spacer member which is releasably attached independently to the inside of both of the cover members of the binder.

Abstract: A catheterization system for embedment in a patient includes a sharp edged needle at the proximal end portion of the catheter. A protective sheath is received about the needle for relative slidable movement thereon between a first position wherein the sharp edge of the needle extends beyond the protective sheath and a second position wherein the blunt leading proximal edge of the protective sheath extends beyond and covers the sharp edge of the needle.

Abstract: A telescopic tractor frame comprised of two interconnected cylindrical frame members which allow the frame to extend a contract and to pivot horizontally along the frame's axis. The frame may be extended to carry large loads or contracted to increase maneuverability. The frame may also be extended and contracted repeatedly to extricate the tractor from muddy or boggy soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the calibration characteristic of a sensor which produces an output signal which has a non-linear relationship to the value of a measured parameter. In one embodiment of the invention, the non-linear input/output characteristic of the sensor is represented by an equation of a curve. In another embodiment of the invention, the non-linear input/output characteristic is approximated by a series of straight lines which correspond to a series of ranges in the output signal. During periods of measurement, the output signal of the sensor is repeatedly sampled and used to calculate running totals of data sums which are subsequently used in combination with the characteristic parameters for the curve or series of straight lines for calculating the time integral of the measured parameter. The actual value of the quantity represented by the time integral is also measured by separate means.

Abstract: An opener of the door of a gravity flow vehicle which allows a mechanical advantage in initially raising the door. After the material within the vehicle begins to flow and decrease the effort required to raise the door, the mechanical advantage is bypassed so that the door may be quickly raised and lowered.

Abstract: Apparatus for two-way communication of information between a fluid container and a fluid delivery device. The fluid container has an associated first information storage and retrieval device and the fluid delivery device has an associated second information storage and retrieval device. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction a communication link is established between the first and second information storage and retrieval devices and will proceed only if appropriate authorization is received by the second information storage and retrieval device. Information regarding the fuel delivery transaction may be stored on either or both of the storage and retrieval devices and may be communicated to another local or remote device for further processing.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a rotational drive unit. The rotational drive unit includes a socket portion which receives a truck or carrier. Opposing engagement surfaces of the carrier are separated by a distance greater than the length of the socket. The resulting lost motion connection allows for a range of free movement of the rotational head on the carrier.

Abstract: A cost effective and efficient method and apparatus for converting a "husk-off" corn picker into a "husk-on" corn picker to reduce kernel loss and damage. The husking bed of the "husk-off" corn picker is removed and replaced with a corn conveyor consisting of a series of driven flights which convey corn from one end of the picker to the other. The corn conveyor is set at an elevated angle so that the uptake end is lower than the deposit end of the conveyor. A suction fan is attached to the picker above the corn conveyor and sets of rubber air dams are placed around the conveyor to increase the effectiveness of the fan. An air inlet means is provided in the side of the picker so that the suction means can pull air under the corn conveyor and across the deposit end of the corn conveyor as the ears of corn fall from the conveyor. This directed air flow pulls the debris from the ears of corn as the ears fall and carry the debris into the suction means where it is blown out and away from the corn picker.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a vacuum cleaner having a brush (10) of uniform cross section about which the nozzle assembly is constructed around. A plurality of flexible tubes (12) are inserted within brush (10). The bristles of brush (10) extend beyond the ends of tubes (12), communicating with tubes (12) during a cleaning process. A clamp (14) secures tubes (12) within the bristles at evenly spaced locations. Tubes (12) create suction within brush (10) and provide airflow back to the vacuum cleaner. An attachment adapter (16) is formed around the perimeter of clamp (14) and enables the nozzle assembly to be connected to the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a golf club bag for protecting the head of a golf club. A retaining means is attached to a golf bag and supports a head cover above the bag. A handle is provided on the head cover so that the handle may be grasped and moved upwardly and forwardly thereby allowing a club to be placed within the bag. The handle is then pulled downwardly and forwardly to position the head cover over the club. When a club is in use the apparatus maintains the head cover above the bag and in a position easily accessible for reinsertion of the club into the bag. The apparatus protects the golf clubs while preventing loss or damage to the head covers while the golf club is being used.