Abstract: A method for analyzing the biomechanical behavior of the cardiac muscle and for diagnosing pathological conditions of the heart. The apparatus measures and records the rise and fall of intra-ventricular isovolumetric pressure monitored by a transducer installed at the tip of a cardiac catheter. The pressure versus time recordings during both the systolic and diastolic phases are mathematically analyzed, and two parameters indicative of the biomechanical conditions of the muscle are derived. The parameters are then plotted against each other on a map in which diagnostic zones of various normal and pathological heart conditions are delineated. The cardiac catheter is fitted with a balloon inflation valve used to close the aortic port during a single heartbeat in order to override the aortic valve and maintain the isovolumetric condition during contraction and relaxation of the cardiac muscle organ.

Abstract: A security lock box for use primarily at beaches having a vertical shaft terminating at its lower end with a screw and an upper end which releasibly engages a crank which can be utilized to turn the shaft and by virtue of the screw engage the shaft into the ground, subsequent to which the crank is released from the shaft, the shaft tip inserted through a hole in the lock box, a keeper is inserted on the shaft to retain the lock box, and the lock box is locked, securing within the tip of the shaft so that it may not be rotated and any valuables which have been put into the box.

Abstract: A process for practicing refractive surgery on a patient's eye by grafting a donor cornea shaped into a lenticle to the front of the patient's cornea. The periphery of the donor cornea is chamfered to a bevelled edge and a corresponding slanted peripheral corneal groove is cut into the patient's cornea. The bevelled edges of the lenticle is then inserted into the groove and then sutured to the patient's cornea.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, wideband, wing-conformal phased-array antenna structure, the array elements of which are identical, log-periodic arrangements of electrically small, folded-monopole elements printed on both sides of a dielectric substrate. A significant reduction in the height of the array elements makes this array configuration feasible for many airborne applications.

Abstract: A tray for attachment to the edge of an operating table which provides horizontal support form the arm, wrist and hand, or leg of a patient during surgical operations on those parts of the body. The tray comprises a perimetric rectangular metal frame having a pair of spaced-apart, downward-facing, L-shaped projections on each side. Any side of the frame may be secured to the side rail of a typical operating table by securing any of the projection pairs to the side rail on either side of a typical operating table with the common screw-type clamps which may be anchored at any point along the rail. A rigid rectangular sheet of material transparent to both X-rays and visible light spans the gap between the two longitudinal frame sections, a gap being left at either end between the lateral edges of the sheet and each lateral frame section.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable water craft for recreational enthusiasts with two hydraulically controlled and driven reversible propellers directionally fixed to a toroidal peripheral hull section which encircles a thinner interior platform section. The toroidal exterior hull provides stability for the platform in water, allowing the water craft to quickly spin, translate, stop and start. The directionally fixed propellers are not impacted by translation or spin and provide rugged and simplified construction. Placement of two fixed reversible propellers on the peripheral hull section provides maximum turning torque and allows elimination of a rudder or directional actuators. Control is provided by a novel pilot actuator and four-way valves assembly. Bumper strips, propeller guards, handholds and deadman switches can be provided for safety in handling this extremely maneuverable water craft.

Abstract: A sound transducer mounted inside a buoy for broadcasting sounds both underwater and above water. The buoy is a hollow sphere which admits water; but whose buoyancy is maintained by air-filled balls or a bladder captured inside.

Abstract: A regulated, low-voltage DC power source which draws energy from a standard AC outlet and uses a bank of lead-acid batteries for intermediate power storage.The power source features a multi-level charge-voltage controller which is automatically adjusted in function of the net current flowing in or out of the batteries. The charge-voltage control is accomplished by switching the charging current rectifiers on or off only at the zero-axis crossing in order to minimize voltage spikes, and only at every other crossing in order to minimize DC components in the secondary of the transformer. Charge current, load current and net battery current are separately metered in order to provide maximum efficiency and safety in the operation of the power source. A low-voltage-drop series regulator is relied upon to provide a 5 volt regulated output to the load from a 6 volt unregulated battery voltage source.

Abstract: A device for installation on the auger filler cone of dry product dispensing equipment which comprises one or more ultrasonic resonators arranged so as to measure the acoustic impedance of the product within the auger filler cone without interfering with the flow of the augered product. The acoustic impedance can be calibrated to give a density measurement. The device is particularly well-suited for measuring the density of a dry product in the dispensing equipment used in the packaging industry, where a specified amount by weight must be dispensed into containers. Since an auger-type filling machine dispenses a precise volume for each degree of rotational movement of the auger, constant monitoring of the density of the product within the auger cone allows the weight of the dispensed product to be rapidly and accurately determined during the filling process.

Abstract: A climber of the type that attaches to a boot for climbing trees and poles. The climber comprises a set of leg braces, articulated stirrup mounting and a quick gaff release assembly which facilitates detaching and replacing the gaff, and provides safety and comfort to the user.