Abstract: An axial digital traction system is disclosed in a hand application. A traction plate is anchored close to the base of the fingers or metacarpophalangeal joints by a hook and loop type fabric fastener, such as that sold under the trademark "VELCRO" connecting the traction plate to a fingerless glove-like anchoring member worn by the patient. Tension elements fastened to the traction plate are trained over rollers at the end of the plate and connected to finger traps which grip the patient's fingers. An alternative traction plate arrangement facilitates treatment of individual digits and provides for greater range of independent articulation of an mcp joint while under treatment.

Abstract: In a light duty punching bag and suspension arrangement the bag consists of one or two balloons. When two balloons are used one is inflated inside the other, the two uniting to form a resilient bag. The inflation neck of the bag is stretched over the skirt of an inflation collar which includes a valve for controlling inflation. A cap screwed on to the inflation collar provides a suspension connected and also clamps the bag wall to the skirt of the collar. Connection to an overhead rebound board is by a short flexible element and a ball and socket joint in tandem.

Abstract: A lathe tool includes a stiff shank and handle portion and, adjustably extending forward from the shank, cantilever fashion, an elongated resilient blade. The combination is configured and disposed on a tool rest so that, when the tip of the blade engages a downwardly moving surface of a workpiece, a vibration or chatter of the blade results and produces a three dimensional textured pattern on the workpiece. Pattern and texture may be selectively varied by adjusting the unsupported length of the blade (to control its frequency of vibration), by changing speed of rotation of the workpiece, by changing pressure of the tool blade on the workpiece, and by lateral and rotational manipulation of the tool.

Abstract: A digital traction system is disclosed in a hand application. A common traction plate spanning the length of the fingers and breadth of the hand may be mounted in a dorsal or is a palmar position. In the palmar position, the traction plate is anchored close to the base of the fingers or metacarpophalangeal joints by a hook and loop type fabric fastener such as that sold under the trademark VELCRO connecting the traction plate to a fingerless glove worn by the patient. Tension elements fastened to the traction plate are trained over rollers at the end of the plate and connected to finger traps which grip the patient's fingers. In the dorsal position the plate is anchored by lugs fixed to the plate and passing between the fingers and engaging the crotches between the fingers. An auxiliary traction plate allows the thumb to be treated independently of the fingers if desired.

Abstract: A therapeutic traction system comprises two principal modules--a bandage-like traction band module for applying to a finger or other digit and a spring module. A minmum working combination consists of two traction band modules with a spring module connected between them so as to bias them apart. Traction band modules may vary in the number and orientation of connecting elements to which a spring module may be connected. Spring modules are elongated coil springs which, in use, are usually deflected into a bow form and, optionally, also torsionally deflected, to create the desired biasing force.

Abstract: An earthmoving attachment to be mounted on the front end of a tractor. The attachment includes a frame secured to the tractor, arms pivoted to the frame and extending forwardly and mounting a combination bucket and blade. Hydraulic cylinders individually extend telescoping sections in the arms to effect a skewing of the blade. Another hydraulic cylinder mounting a slider adjacent one end of the blade is operable to tilt the blade or bucket. Other sets of hydraulic cylinders tip the bucket and lift the arms conventionally. Simple adjustments are operable to convert the attachment from the configuration of a front-end-loader to that of a dozer, and to skew, tilt and tip the blade and bucket in various configurations.

Abstract: As an aid for a novice skier, a close fitting fabric glove confines the forward portion of a pair of water-skis. The glove both prevents excessive lateral separation of the skis and maintains a desirable minimum separation--both features greatly assisting a novice, for example, in "getting up" from a deep water start and in his stability when waterborne. The greater planing area of the glove, compared with the ski portions it covers, and its buoyancy (from air entrapment), both help the skier to "get up" more quickly. Flexibility of the fabric of the glove permits substantially normal relative tipping and pitching of the skis for control purposes. The glove is secured to the skis by snap fasteners.

Abstract: A shallow rectangular frame supports a pair of free-running elongated rollers parallel to each other and spaced suitably to cradle the main wheels of a conventional wheelchair. A gentle ramp ahead of the rollers enables a wheelchair occupant to drive the wheelchair backwards up the ramp and roll the wheels into the roller cradle. A transverse backstop guards against overrunning the cradle. With the main wheels of the wheelchair in the roller cradle, the front wheels of the chair are supported by the ramp. An adjustable brake at the front roller provides for variable exercising effort and also brakes or locks the roller so that the chair may be easily driven out of the roller cradle and down the ramp.

Abstract: In a light duty punching bag and mounting arrangement, the bag is made from two balloons. A first balloon is inflated inside another, the two uniting to form a durable suitably resilient bag. Basis for suspension of the bag is a collar sandwiched between the walls of the two balloons and held there by a clamping force resulting from inflation pressure. Articulated connection to an overhead rebound board is by a short flexible tube and a ball pivot in tandem. These help produce a desirable rebounding characteristic, close to that of a professional punching bag. Several mounting methods are disclosed including at least one which provides a convenient height adjustment.

Abstract: In a beam or pipe clamp, each of a pair of clamp jaw extenders is loosely coupled to a basic clamp jaw member and threaded onto the beam of the clamp so that the extenders oppose each other, between the basic jaws. Extender form may be chosen to provide greater capacity in terms of a deeper thrust between the clamp jaws or accommodation for irregularly shaped workpieces or both. Fit of the extender on the beam controls extender alignment relative to the beam and ensures that, while the basic jaw member may receive axial clamping forces, "tipping" force imposed on the extender is transferred directly to the beam.

Abstract: In a system for welding thin section aluminum castings to elongated sections of thin walled hollow aluminum extrusion, an expandable mandrel specific to the weldment to be assembled serves also as a holder and positioner while welding is in progress. A powered carriage rotatably supports the normally cantilevered mandrel and advances it into position in the bore of the extrusion. Sets of hydraulically powered expansion shoes of the mandrel are spaced along its length so as to register internally with the location of external weld joints between casting and extrusion. Selective independent actuation of shoes or sets of shoes applies outward pressure locally to remove distortions in the "as received" extrusion, so as to maintain consistent fit up between extrusion and casting, facilitating consistently good welded joints. This mechanical positioning and form control system lends itself readily to integration with robot welders for fully automated operation.

Abstract: A supplementary self-contained cleaning fluid distribution system provides for the selective flushing and cleaning of the waste fluid holding tanks of a recreational vehicle. From an external connection cleaning fluid is directed to grey water or sewage tanks respectively, by means of a tank selector and backflow prevention system. Components of the system include a pair of normally closed solenoid valves and a normally open pressure switch responsive to the delivered pressure of the cleaning fluid. A predetermined reduction of the cleaning fluid supply pressure automatically isolates the vehicle system from the external fluid supply.

Abstract: In a system for treating and managing hot aluminum dross, the dross is compacted and delivered by a pair of "squeeze" rolls in a continuous semi-solid sheet, readily broken up for further treatment or disposal. The rolls may be cooled or heated as required to condition the dross appropriately, for storage or immediate further treatment. Ribs on the rolls and/or a stepped "break" chute downstream of the rolls may be used to break the compacted dross into "patties" for convenient handling.