Abstract: The boot consists of a shell having a lower part (1), on which is articulated an upper part (2, 3) which can pivot about a substantially horizontal pivot pin (4). This pivoting is limited by an elastic device (7) mounted between the upper part (2) and the shell (1). This elastic device comprises a rigid base (8), in the extension of which is mounted a bar of elastic material (15) having the same cross-section as the base. A tubular slide (19) slides on the base and prevents the elastic material from expanding when axial pressure is exerted on the latter. The elasticity of the device therefore varies according to the position of the slide (19). A means of axial guidance prevents the elastic material (15) from bending or buckling.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a layer of photosensitive amorphous silicon on one surface of which is a large area common electrode and on the opposite surface of which are an array of spaced discrete electrodes and an isolation electrode which intends in the spaces between the discrete electrodes but is spaced therefrom. In operation, the common electrode is maintained at a first d-c potential, the isolation electrode is maintained at a different second d-c potential and the discrete electrodes are switched in turn to the second potential and the current flowing therethrough is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting cigarette paper of eventual cigarette bar unit, which permit further improvement of the precision of inspection, is provided. According to the method and the apparatus, the mean, variance and standard deviation are obtained statistically through a detected pressure signal, then transformation of their normal distribution into a standard normal distribution of N(0,1) where the mean with respect to the probability density function .PHI.(t) is 0 and variance with respect to thereto is 1, is obtained. And the estimation of population standard deviation with setting of a significance level is done with the value of t with respect to the probability determined solely by determining the probability in the normal distribution, thereby effecting a decision as to whether the inspected product is non-defective or defective.

Abstract: A new approach to the theory of heat exchanger optimization is presented which shows the advantages of using low Reynolds and Nusselt numbers and low flow velocities along with a novel design, the microtube-strip (MTS) counterflow heat exchanger. The MTS exchanger in the preferred embodiment consists of a number of small modules connected in parallel. Each module typically contains eight rows of one hundred tubes, each of 0.8 mm outside diameter and 0.16 m length. The tubes are metallurgically bonded via the diffusion welding technique to rectangular header tube strips at each end. Caps suitable for manifolding are welded over the ends. Cages are provided to cause the shell-side fluid to flow in counterflow fashion over substantially all of the tube length, and suitable manifolds are provided to connect the modules in parallel. This design results in the highest power densities of any known design for single phase exchangers.

Abstract: An eye examining apparatus is disclosed which is capable of the accurate detection of any abnormality in the optical system of a patient's eye which might exist at any position of the eye, and also which is capable of providing easy measurement of the degree of refraction of the patient's eye. The apparatus comprises a target projecting system for projecting onto a retina a target image to be measured; focalizing means for detecting the focus of the target to be measured and for focalizing it on the retina; and an optical transfer function measuring system for detecting the contrast of the target image to be measured, which is focalized on the retina, and thereby measuring the optical transfer function of the patient's eye.The apparatus may further comprise means for comparing the measured optical transfer function with that of a normal eye, and the target projecting system may include a means for rotating the target image to be measured around an optical axis.

Abstract: An automatic marking device for a lensmeter comprising: a lens support member; a lens holder having a lens holding member cooperative with the lens supporting member for clamping therebetween the lens movably in a plane substantially perpendicular to a measuring optical axis of the lensmeter; a marking device having a marking unit movably mounted on the lens holder and having at least one marking stylus. The marking unit is carried for rotation about an axis which is parallel to the measuring optical axis. Two hands having inner surfaces are provided and adapted for contacting adjacent edges of the lens such as to clamp the lens therebetween. A hand moving device is provided for moving the hands in the plane in accordance with the result of measurement of the refraction characteristics of the lens.

Abstract: A ski pole basket (1) is described which is attached rigidly to a ski pole. The basket comprises an outwardly extending support surface (3) and is provided with a peak socket (4) directed downwards. By the peak socket being attached to the basket in front of the point where the basket is attached to the pole there is achieved an improved grip into the ground and an improved pendulum effect in the cycle of pole motion.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a drum (10) adapted to be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation (A) and having an at least approximately cylindrical body (12) as well as two steep end walls (14), one at each side of the body (12). The two end walls (14) each include a radially outer crown of ring sectors (20) which are inclined in overlapping relationship such that their leading edges (22) in the operating direction of rotation (26) of the drum (10) are disposed axially further outside than their trailing edges (24). A gap-like passage (28) each is formed between adjacent ring sectors (20). The material (58) being treated may exit through these passages upon rotation of the drum (10) in reverse sense. The ring sectors (20) are followed radially inwardly by a central portion (18,42) of the respective end wall (14) which portion the material (58) cannot penetrate. This makes sure that the material (58) will revolve without disturbance within the forwardly rotating drum (10).

Abstract: Electrophotographic light-sensitive elements according to the invention comprise(a) a conductive support;(b) a photoconductive layer; and(c) a surface protective layer.The conductive support is formed in a sheet-like or cylindrical shape from any suitable conductive material, and acts as an electrode of the light-sensitive element as well as acting as a physical support. The photoconductive layer comprises amorphous hydrogenated silicon having a high absorption efficiency and photoconductivity. The a--Si:H of a photoconductive layer may contain other elements such as fluorine, carbon, nitrogen and germanium, and may be doped with elements belonging to groups III and V of the periodic table. The surface protective layer is the outermost layer of an electrophotographic light-sensitive element according to the invention, and imparts resistance to environmental conditions. The surface protective layer comprises hydrogenated amorphous carbon, and may additionally contain silicon, nitrogen, oxygen or fluorine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding veneer sheets is disclosed. It comprises stacking up a plurality of veneer sheets with water soluble thermosetting adhesive interposed at desired locations between the veneer sheets; pressing the veneer sheets from both above and below surfaces thereof; sealing the gap defined by the two opposing plates in the vicinity of the peripheral portions of the veneer sheets in an air-tight manner; heating the bonding agent at a temperature of a boiling point or more of water in its normal state; and hardening the adhesive while preventing the same from foaming.

Abstract: A continuous linear element is used in the form of a fine fibrous trap, delivered in a continuous manner by an ejector (11) placed in a gaseous atmosphere established in an open-bottomed bell (8) immersed in the liquid medium with its open bottom close to the deposition site of the construction material. A slurry of solid particles is injected into the fibrous trap when it is still in the gaseous atmosphere of the bell and the trap charged with said particles is then deposited on the construction site (1). The ejector (11) can be part of a device (12) for breaking up textile cable (17) and is connected with a floating platform (3).

Abstract: A patient controlled traction device in which a mechanical advantage pulley system is used to multiply the traction applied by a weight and in which a mechanical advantage pulley system is used to enable the patient to relieve the force of the traction by the application of a relatively small force, substantially less than the weight utilized.

Abstract: Provided is a rear projection screen onto which light from a projector is introduced at an angle from about 40 to 70 deg. with respect to the rear light incidence surface of the screen. A plurality of elongated prisms are formed on the rear surface of the screen, extending along curved lines, each prism having a reflection surface extending along the associated curved line, thereby the light received by the rear surface is internally reflected by the reflection surface, and transmitted through the light transmitting medium of the screen and is then emerged from the front viewing surface thereof.

Abstract: An eye fundus camera having an automated focus control system which includes a mark projecting system for projecting a focus detecting mark to the retina of a patient's eye to produce a mark image and a photoelectric system for detecting the mark image to judge the focus condition. The photoelectric system produces electric signals which are compared with a threshold level signal to produce mark image signals. In order to ensure an accuracy of detection of the mark image, the threshold level can be changed when it is judged as inappropriate.

Abstract: A process for providing a surface of glass, silicon, aluminum or silicone rubber of an article useful within medicine with a bicompatible surface layer. Said surface is reacted (after oxidation when required) with a silane containing at least one epoxy group and the surface thus treated is then reacted with a polysaccharide containing at least one hydroxyl group. The invention also relates to an article exhibiting a biocompatible surface layer of a polysaccharide containing at least one hydroxyl group, which polysaccharide is covalently bound to a surface of glass, silicon, aluminum or silicone rubber of the article by means of a silane.