Abstract: An improved laryngoscope blade for use with a conventional laryngoscope handle and conventional means of illumination. The blade tapers from the handle end to the end that is inserted in the mouth, so that the blade roughly conforms to the shape of the tongue. In addition, the sides of the blade curve upward so as to cradle the tongue. This design allows the intubator to better control the tongue and more easily view the vocal chords during insertion of an endotracheal tube. Furthermore, the ambidextrous, symmetrical design is easier for left-handed doctors and technician to use.

Abstract: An external jet nozzle mixer includes identically formed lobes. The external mixer works with the internal mixer further to mix the engine internal bypass flow with the internal jet engine core flow to level the disparate flow velocities, to reduce the peak velocities from the jet engine core and increase the lower bypass velocities of the engine internal bypass flow, and thereby reduce noise. The internal lobe contours act as lifting flutes, causing mixing of the primary hot and cold flows to mix before exiting the nozzle. The external lobe contours act as venturi chutes, accelerating the cooler ambient secondary air flow. The lobes thus act collectively as an injector to force the cooler ambient secondary flow into the previously mixed primary flow as it exits the nozzle. Also obtained is an increased thrust efficiency and, consequently, decreased fuel consumption and engine emissions.

Abstract: A system which is sufficiently compact and portable to be moved via skid support platform to a multi-wheel diesel-powered host containing active pump and roll capability with front and rear active hydraulics, such as a Bobcat Toolcat Turbo 5600. The system contains a water tank, generally 150 gallons, as well as built in foam tank. The system is wholly powered by the hydraulic system of the host vehicle powering a hydraulic motor on the system. The system hydraulic motor turns a serpentine belt at sufficient RPM's to power a water pump, air compressor and the compressed air foam system (CAFS) module. Using solely the power provided by the hydraulic motor, water is drawn from the tank, either used alone or mixed with foam at the percentage inputted by the user. Compressed air is added and the air alone, water alone or water/foam mixture is routed via adjustable valve to either the 1 inch firefighters hose or the rigid waterway ending in an adjustable, movable nozzle attached to the cab roof of the host.

Abstract: A data acquisition and perusal system and method which enable: selection of a plurality of files for inclusion into at least one selectable database; generation of a searchable index of the data contained in the selectable database; and searches of the searchable index according to search criteria. This invention allows users to view, acquire, and generate single- or multiple-data sources locally or remotely, and to compile, index, modify, and append the data sources according to default or user defined criteria. This invention can: selectively acquire and display data contained within remote databases; capture automatically indexed HTML data; and automatically “pinpoint,” and highlight specific text or groups of text designated by the user within the resulting database. This invention contains a link module enabling custom links to be defined between selected terms of selected files of the selectable database including the custom links so that the searchable index includes only valid links.

Abstract: Technique for bonding soft biological tissue having an incision therein with forceps adapted to grip a portion of tissue on both sides of incision. Electrodes are secured to forceps for contracting the tissue portion. An electrical power source provides a high frequency electrical signal to electrodes to be passed through the tissue portion. The electrical power source is controlled to provide electrodes with one voltage signal during a first of two stages, wherein the voltage rises linearly, and another voltage signal during a second of the two stages, wherein the voltage is stabilized and modulated with a low frequency rectangular signal. A clamping means applies force with the forceps to compress the tissue at one or different levels during two time periods while the high frequency voltage is passed through the electrodes. The tissue impedance is measured as a function of time, with its minimal value being determined and stored.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making and aligning digital images from oral tissues, dental implants, healing components, and dental restorations to design and manufacture dental implant retained restorations. Image data about the space available for the planned restoration, orientation of dental implants or abutments and aesthetic contour and occlusion of the prosthesis are all integrated into a virtual three-dimensional model of the prosthesis that can be sent to the clinician or laboratory to validate design intent and to manufacture the prosthesis. The virtual model is used by either a conventional rapid prototyping machine to produce a castable pattern or a number controlled mill to machine the restoration.

Abstract: A test administration center is provided at which a plurality of balance diagnostic tests are administered on a patient. A test evaluation center, located remotely from the test administration center, is provided at which diagnostic data is evaluated by a skilled clinician. A computer network links, and transfers data from, the test administration center to both the test evaluation center, where the data is evaluated, and to a patient database, where the data is stored.

Abstract: A composition useful as a dietary supplement for providing potassium, calcium, and citrate is presented, as well as processes for producing the composition, and methods for using the composition as a dietary supplement. Administration of the composition counters bone loss associated with aging or menopause by providing bioavailable calcium and, simultaneously, delivering alkali load. In addition, administration of the composition produces a substantial increase in urinary citrate, which counters kidney-stone formation.

Abstract: A relatively large diameter core barrel has a plurality of diamond cutting elements disposed around the circumference of its working end for drilling piles in very hard ground, such as metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks. Each cutting element is designed for quick and simple replacement in the field. The cutting elements are of diamond composition, and provide a substantially flat cutting face for cutting principally through abrasion at the interface of the cutting element and the hard ground to be drilled.Piles are constructed using the diamond-tipped core barrel by first drilling an annular kerf in the ground. Circulating drilling fluid cools the diamond cutting elements and washes cuttings from the kerf during drilling. The drilled core may be removed, or it may remain in situ, with the kerf being filled by cementitious material or by a structural steel casement to form a very strong pile.

Abstract: A vacuum pump useful in penile erection systems is provided. The vacuum pump comprises a piston in a cylinder with intake and exhaust valves. The vacuum producing outstroke is powered by a spring having sufficient force to draw a vacuum no higher than the desired upper safety limit, and the reset stroke is powered manually. The pump is constructed to provide an inherent vacuum limit by selecting a spring which, when fully compressed during a reset stroke, exerts a force against the piston which is less than the force exerted against the piston head by the differential pressure between atmospheric pressure and a preselected maximum vacuum pressure inside the cylinder. Thus, when the maximum vacuum pressure is reached, the piston is not returned for successive pumping.

Abstract: A method for energy conversion and storage includes the steps of providing a supply of processed natural gas. The natural gas is compressed and stored in a sub-surface storage reservoir. The compressed natural gas is then delivered from the reservoir to an electrical power generator to thereby generate electrical energy.

Abstract: An electronic stethoscopic system is described which permits detection of auscultory sounds in a patient in high noise environments such as ambulances and aircraft. The stethoscope employs an electroacoustical transducer, an acoustical driver mounted in a headset providing acoustical isolation from exterior noise, a summing microphone positioned within the insulating headset, and active noise reduction circuitry to feed an error signal back from the summing microphone to the acoustical driver so as to effectively cancel the unwanted acoustical noise originating external to the insulating headset. The stethoscopic system includes circuitry permitting the headset to selectively receive the audio output from a vehicular intercom system whenever a voice signal is present, thereby allowing treating medical personnel to monitor the patient while participating in the conversation being conducted on the vehicle's intercom system.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding erection in men comprising an open tubular vacuum cylinder sufficiently large to contain an erect male penis and an integrally mounted electrically powered vacuum generating unit which mounts to an end of said cylinder and supplies a limited vacuum at a relatively high leakage rate and a large, sensitive, vacuum controlling valve which may be used to accurately limit the vacuum produced by the vacuum generating unit to a point safe for a user.

Abstract: A remotely actuated clamping apparatus for obtaining a secure coupling between a vibration unit generating longitudinally directed driving forces and a probe designed for penetrating the earth, such as into underwater sediments at water depths too great for direct human intervention.

Abstract: A telescopic kelly bar assembly for use in drilling large excavations. The kelly assembly consists of a lower outer bar section, at least one middle bar sections and an upper inner bar section. Each bar has its own driver that either rests on top of the next size larger bar or is engaged to the rotary. The driver that is engaged on the rotary depends on which bar is the extended bar in the shaft excavation, since the driver that is engaged to the rotary is the driver of the bar that is extended in the shaft. The entire assembly is suspended by a swivel attached to a multi-part traveling block. When a bar is driven it is either driven by its driver via the rotary or by the next size smaller bar within the rotary. Lugs are added on the inside of the outer and middle bars at the top. If a round cross-section is used, the inside lugs transmit torque when fully extended from one bar to another. A thick ring is welded to the bottom of the middle bar and upper inner bar.

Abstract: A large shaft over-reamer apparatus and method using a driver means and a detachable reamer cutter means. The driver means may include a work platform for personnel to work on. The driver means is positioned in a drilled pilot hole for stability and vertical control. The top of the driver means is attached to a kelly bar that transmits rotational force to the driver. The driver means has lug pins to releasably connect the driver means to the reamer cutter means. Releasably connecting the driver means to the reamer cutter means allows the reamer cutter means to be left inside the shaft or hole while the kelly bar lifts out excavated material in a bucket attached to the driver means. The reamer cutter has radial cutters and wiper blades. The wiper blades help funnel the excavated materials to a bucket.

Abstract: A gun rest comprising a central compartment of a shape which allows the barrel of a gun to be conveniently supported, and one or more attached compartments utilized to stabilize and support the central compartment. The compartments are intended to be filled with a substance such as sand, and incorporate closures comprising an inverted spout, one side of which is made from the hook part of a hook and loop fastener, and the other side of which is the loop part of a hook and loop fastener. A closure such as a spout and pocket closure may also be used.

Abstract: An engine having a variable piston capable of adjusting an engine's compression ratio while cranking or operating throughout an engine's speed/load range. Control may be obtained through varying the volume of lubricating fluid supplied to an inertia operated pump/accumulator device located in each multi-element piston. Fluid is supplied to said pump/accumulator device by means of a low pressure jet directed into an opening in the accumulator. No direct plumbing connection is required between the fluid source and the pump/accumulator device. Each piston includes an inner element conventionally mounted on a connecting rod and an outer element slidably mounted above and around said inner element. A chamber is formed between the upper surface of said inner element and the inside top surface of said outer element. Supplying a fluid into this cavity extends the upper portion of the piston, raising the engine compression ratio.

Abstract: A terrain imaging apparatus and method for indicating to a user the location and distance of moving objects from a user. A transmitting means transmitts a coherent radiation beam to distant objects and receives back the coherent radiation beam reflected from the objects. A communicating means indicates the direction and distance of objects moving in that field relative to the user by determining the distances to the objects from the transmitting and receiving means and the direction in which the beam is directed to synthesize a vector field image of the terrain based on a set of direction measurements and corresponding range measurements and indicating the direction the user is facing relative to the terrain image.

Abstract: A hanger and method for adjusting the position of the stirrups on a riding saddle and the position of the saddle on a horse. The hanger has first and second generally horizontal and parallel bars extending longitudinally along the saddle tree from front to back for receiving a stirrup leather and fender or rigging strap and at least three adjusting pins slidably mounted on the second horizontal bar to slidably engage the first horizontal bar whereby the stirrup leather or rigging strap can be selectably positioned and retained at a selected longitudinal position relative to the saddle or saddle tree.