Abstract: A ski binding mechanism for retaining a ski boot in fixed position on a ski and providing for release of the binding at any angle and for precisely controlling the required forces at various release angles. A plurality of retaining points each consisting of a spring plunger mechanism with a spherical tip which is fitted to a contoured retaining socket or groove in the boot sole plate, and the socket or groove is milled away at its periphery are varying angles. In one embodiment, a plunger is mounted on a rocker arm to counter balance ski brake forces and to facilitate removal by altering release force levels.

Abstract: A method of physical exercise is described utilizing a machine configured to support the user during exercise in a specific suspended position to immobilize and isolate certain muscle groups while exercising others. The method and device is particularly well suited and designed for exercise of the abdominal musculature, but is conveniently adaptable for exercise of other muscle groups and design of unique exercise methods utilizing short restricted movements culminating in a isometrically tensioned exercise position.

Abstract: A pair of hybrid electro-optical connectors which allow for the grouping of a mixture of electrical and optical connections in a versatile housing where clusters of terminal-holding channels are arranged in a beehive configuration. Automatic alignment of the terminals is achieved by means of magnets of opposite polarity occupying some of these channels. The connectors are particularly adapted to underwater applications or to any other severe environment and hard-to-reach locations where manipulation is limited due to the use of diving suits or robotics. The frustro-conical configuration of sections of the channels and the terminals provides for the use of the connectors as part of bulkheads between two areas with very high differential pressure. The frustro-conical configuration prevents the movement of terminals within the channel toward the low pressure area.

Abstract: A multipurpose ball collector, ball storage and ball dispenser uses a wheel driven rotating shaft and fixed projections to positively collect balls, a wire cage to store balls and a folding handle with a folding cage door to conveniently allow withdrawing of the balls during practice. The folding handles are pivoted and attach to each other during collection to provide structural integrity. For dispensing, the handles and attached to the cage to form a structure which lifts the cage to within easy reach for the practicing player. Collection arms can also be provided to assist in ball collection or carrying the cage to a storage location.

Abstract: A raster scan display system for eliminating jagged edges from vectors or polygon boundaries inclined within .+-.45 degrees to horizontal comprising a digital vector generator, a frame buffer memory, a color look-up table, digital-to-analog converters and convolvers placed in front of each digital-to-analog converter for each video output stage of the color look-up table. Fractional address data are appended to each pixel written into the frame-buffer memory to specify the true location of the pixel more accurately. Intensity data for each of the colors assigned thereto by the color look-up table are convolved with a kernel that is selected by the Y fractional address. The convolvers also process the X fractional address which controls the boundaries between pixels on a scan line. Fractional address data read out of the frame-buffer controls the kernels in the convolvers to render the positioning of pixels at four times the addressability of the frame-buffer.

Abstract: A three-port multipurpose pilot-operated vapor (air) or liquid (hydraulic) control valve with two semi-independent poppet segments which can be used for most basic control functions, including: two position (on-off), relief, pressure reducing and pressure control. The poppet segments are independent except for a poppet stem fixed to one segment but slidably attached to the second segment. This connection allows both pilot fluid pressure and main port pressure acting on the second poppet segment to partially control the movement of the first segment. A pilot piston may also be included to fully or partially control one or both poppet segments. The semi-independent poppet segments also allow the valve to function as a two-way when one segment is held closed. Combinations can also provide four-way control braking, counterbalance and regenerative functions. Conversion of multipurpose valve from one function to another, normally only requires minor adjustment.

Abstract: In a telescopically extensible ammunition magazine for a firearm or similar device in which the rounds of ammunition are biased toward the firing chamber, by a coil spring, bent leaf spring or similar resilient device, a tensioning cord partially compresses a section of the spring preventing full extension of that section and causing the spring to snake and rub against the inside of the magazine or magazine assembly. The partially snaking spring is allowed to frictionally and incrementally travel within the magazine during reloading keeping each round properly aligned as each one is inserted. The extended length of the spring is selected to provide the minimum spring extension needed to feed the final unit of ammunition to the firing chamber when the magazine is collapsed to its minimum length. Ammunition can thus be conveniently loaded without having to compress the spring; yet the full strength of the spring is available to bias the rounds towards the firing chamber.

Abstract: An animal safety tether which provides several degrees of movement for the animal and simplified attachment and adjustment of the resulting confined boundaries.In the preferred embodiment, clamps attach to opposite walls of a pickup truck, securing a belt and leash assembly. This restrains the animal, but allows radial, circular and transverse movements of the animal. Transverse motion is limited by adjustable clasps on the belt and radial motion is limited by an adjustable leash fastener. Attachment to the walls of the pickup truck is by means of clamps with apertures or hook eyes to accept the belt in several orientations. The shape of the clamp and orientation in several different directions allow attachment to a variety of pickup truck walls or similar surfaces.

Abstract: An uninterruptible rotating power supply incorporates a sensor of motion and distortion of a stator during interruptions of normal power supply acting on the stator within a synchronous motor, which normally rotates an alternator supplying power to the electric load. When a distortion (unacceptable normal power supply) is sensed, transient power is supplied by a flywheel and hydraulic motor driven by hydraulic fluid stored under pressure in a reservoir. Long term emergency power is supplied by a diesel engine driving the generator or hydraulic pump. The dual supply of transient power allows redundancy for large amperage critical applications or downsizing of flywheel to minimum levels in less critical applications or where a portion of the load is not critical.

Abstract: An infant carrier in the shape of a sling having a supporting strap which forms a loop passing over one of the user's shoulders, across the back diagonally, under the other shoulder and being closed over the chest. A cuff shaped and dimensioned to engage and support the user's infant carrying forearm hangs from the strap. A drooling bib attached to the strap covers the shoulder above the infant-carrying forearm. A sitting pad is also provided which can be wrapped around the infant-supporting forearm.

Abstract: A drain valve and drain system which includes a gravity drain valve which can be readily installed with common tools, a hose connected to the valve and a drained fluid reservoir. Valve actuation is accomplished by a common tool such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench, in the slotted end of a valve stem which allows a recessed actuator, precluding accidental opening or stem damage. Angled side discharge or valve allows complete gravity drainage and manual installation of valve without simple tools. Side discharge and recessed actuator results in a valve with very compact external dimensions only slightly larger than a drain plug. Appliation of drainage system to crankcase oil drain, results in a clean and reliable method of changing oil without tools, funnels, rags, and pans, without significantly impacting road clearance or full drainage capability.

Abstract: A collection and reporting system for infusion appliance comprising a battery operated monitoring device connected to the power source of the infusion appliance which monitors its usage for a certain period of time, whereupon the data pertaining to the various assignments are transferred to collecting means and further listed by printing means. The data include information pertaining to the monitoring device itself, the infusion appliance being monitored, the patient data and the usage data indicative of the functioning status of the infusion appliance. Usage data are logged every six minutes. The data residing in monitoring device or the meter are collected, recorded, printed and then cleared every one hundred eighty-four days or whenever the storing capacity of the RAM of the meter is exceeded. An indicator is turned on at the six month point to signal the need for collecting data.

Abstract: A workpiece holding device which wedges against the side of a workpiece during machining operations to provide a clear surface for machining. A tool head having a clamping face and a wedge ramp face is attached to a flexible shaft and support structure. A wedge is pressed against the wedge ramp face by a hold down fastener which also secures the support structure. The multipurpose components produce a very lightweight, low profile holding device for use in machining operations.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a modular, monolithic, integrated, multi-layered, mold building structure including the steps of constructing a dismantleable mold having an outer rigid matrix and an inner inflatable plug, wherein the inside dimensions of the matrix correspond to the outside dimensions of the structure and the outside dimensions of the plug correspond to the inside dimensions of the structure, placing high strength fibers between the plug and the matrix, injecting hardenable material between the matrix and the plug, curing the hardenable material into a hard shell, removing the matrix, deflating the plug, and installing walls, doors or windows. The structures may be joined together on-site in various combinations and configurations to create different types and styles of buildings.

Abstract: A suitcase is modified to have wheels at the bottom corners of the rear face of the suitcase, a retractable handle with an offset to secure stacked luggage against the offset, and a spring actuated folding shelf which can grip adjacent luggage items. The offset handle can be used for normal lifting when retracted and pulling when extended. Offset allows extension structure to be placed in the rear wall of the suitcase while the handle is placed in the normal central location. The offset also lowers the center of gravity of the combination, especially when other items of luggage are stacked on the extensible handle. The shelf is incorporated into the front wall, and can be folded out and down to support adjacent luggage. The shelf is spring loaded towards the closed (flush with suitcase) position, in order to secure the shelf when not in use and to grip adjacent luggage when the shelf is deployed.

Abstract: A mechanism forming the hinges between an eyeglass frame and the lateral temple bars which allows for the rapid adjustment of the vertical alignment of the lens frame in relation to the horizontal axes of the temple pieces. The forward end of each temple piece is split into a stationary half and a sliding half. Each half terminates into a pin or ball which cooperates with a bearing at the edge of the lens frame to form a hinge allowing each temple piece to be folded against the frame. The sliding halves can be moved along the axes of the temple pieces independently from the stationary ones to tilt the hinging axis so as to change the position of the lens plane in relation to the temple pieces.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously rupturing and carrying away a breakable foil seal and packing from a medicine vial or other container which incorporates a string attached to the foil seal with one end exterior of the foil seal and the other attached to the packing. The exterior end serves as a pull tab or can be attached to another item which serves the same purpose. When pulled, the string first ruptures the foil seal, then carries it away along with the packing. The pull tab may be length of string, additional foil layers of the seal or the vial lid. The system is designed to facilitate access to the contents of the vial by individuals lacking dexterity due to age, illness or amputation.