Abstract: The invention measures the total dissolved gas and fluid vapor pressure in liquids both aqueous and organic. It comprises a hydrostatically isolated gas phase of as low volume as possible isolated from the liquid being measured by a gas-permeable membrane configured to be insensitive to hydrostatic pressure, in this instance in the form of a tube. The gas phase inside the tube communicates with a pressure measuring component which is either, in this instance, a special type of closed manometer, or strain gauge which senses pressure by piezoresistive or capacitive pressure induced change or other pressure measuring means of low or negligible internal volume and compliance, together with a calibration means. The invention is provided with a calibrated scale or electronic readout means for the pressure measuring component.

Abstract: A flexible transparent package for transporting and storing an IUD. The package (2) includes a specifically configured seal line such that the IUD (12) may be manipulated into the configured portion (14) of the package and by utilizing the IUD insertion device (10) and the finger and thumb of the operator from the exterior of the package to place the IUD within the insertion device. Whether the IUD is packaged alone or jointly with the insertion device and the necessary plunger (16), the IUD must be shipped and stored in the expanded condition and the present invention permits the compaction and insertion without significantly affecting the sterile conditions of that portion of the device which must be inserted into the body cavity.

Abstract: The fine tuning apparatus functions as the bridge element (20) of a stringed instrument. The fine tuning apparatus includes a base element (22) and a series of fine tuning elements (40), one for each string. Each fine tuning element (40) includes a forward block element (42) and a rear block element (52) which is rotatable relative to the forward block element. A string of the musical instrument makes critical contact with the fine tuning apparatus at point (59) on the rear block element (52) and maintains surface contact with the rear block element (52) as the surface slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the bridge critical contact point (59), until the point where the string is clamped against surface (60). Means (64, 70) are provided for adjusting the rotatable position of the rear block element (52) relative to the forward block element (42), which results in a change in the tension of the string and hence the fine tune of the string.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for time lapse based measurement of impedance wherein a series of time measurements are made by voltage transitions with respect to a reference voltage across an unknown component and across a reference component with a known impedance. The time measurements are fed to a microprocessor or other computer means for calculating the impedance of the unknown component.

Abstract: Articulating clam-type grapple for a backhoe which includes a mounting head member for connecting to the backhoe dipper stick and tool cylinder. A grapple mounting assembly is pivotally attached to the head mechanism which enables both grapple jaws to be moved to open and closed positions. The mounting assembly includes a hydraulic motor and gear box combination for rotating the grapple such that the grapple and the jaws thereof are positively controlled in all directions of movement.

Abstract: Aircraft engine low thrust detection system having sensors for each engine mounted on the engine nacelle in the slip stream of each propeller. A given amount of decrease in engine thrust is detected by a thrust sensor and a signal is generated for a control device. The control device in turn activates a visual signal on the appropriate propeller control level in the cockpit informing the pilot which engine is losing thrust and whether the power loss is partial or total. Aural signals are also installed with different pitches to assist the pilot in identifying the engine which is losing power.

Abstract: Garlic press which includes a plastic transparent cylindrical body one end of which is closed and through which is threaded an elongated rod. The rod on the outside has a turning handle and on the inside detachably connects to a piston. An end piece threads on to the open end of the cylindrical body and contains a number of perforations through which the garlic is extruded. Garlic may be stored in the cylinder and the end piece covered with a closure member for preventing escape of odors when the press is not in use.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a reaction chamber which in operation uses an organic fuel input, typically in the form of substantially uniform-sized pellets, to produce a tar-free fuel gas. Prior to initiating operation, the lower end of the reaction chamber is filled with a charge of charcoal, forming a charcoal bed. A portion of the charcoal bed is then ignited, typically near the top, with air from the atmosphere being drawn substantially uniformly down through the reaction chamber by a pump on the outlet line leading from the reaction chamber, creating a thin pyrolysis zone near the top of the charcoal bed. The substantially uniform-size fuel pellets are added to the top of the charcoal bed, and are pyrolized as they move down through the pyrolysis zone.

Abstract: A safety flotation device comprising an emergency rescue and life saving buoy for boats which is formed of a flotation body having a ring-type, hollow plastic body generally filled with lightweight plastic foam and which also includes compartments for tethering lines, flares, beacon light and the like. The device is also provided with hand grips and hand grip ropes around the sides of the flotation body. All lines are secured to the body and tether lines include hooks or clips. The compartment for flares is covered.

Abstract: A surface mounted sharpening tool having a generally rectangular body which may be formed of one or two sections and which body has blade cavity structure with sharpening blades forming a V-shaped sharpening notch. The body includes a pair of generally parallel guide ridges extending outwardly from the body such that a guide slot is defined between the two ridges or in which the guide slot may be recessed into the body. The guide slot through which the tool to be sharpened is guided is set at a predetermined angle from a right angle to the flat surface of the blade in order to obtain the most favorable sharpening action.

Abstract: A doppler transducer which is particularly well adapted for use in fetal heartbeat measurements is comprised of a piston type transducer with a pair of lenses, which together provide both a divergent acoustic pattern and a flat surface for good acoustic coupling between the transducer and the mother's abdomen.

Abstract: An enclosure (12) defines a lower compartment, while a pyramidal top portion (16) defines an adjacent upper compartment. A base plate (24) separates the upper and lower compartments. The base plate (24) includes a central opening (26), above which is mounted a fan (30). The base plate (24) is configured so that there is a peripheral opening (41) between the edge of the base plate (24) and the side walls (20) of the enclosure (12). Holding mechanisms (38) are provided in the lower compartment for trays of poultry eggs, and are mounted so as to be rotatable through a desired angle above and below the horizontal.

Abstract: The fine tuning apparatus functions as the bridge element (20) of a stringed instrument. The fine tuning apparatus includes a base element (22) and a series of fine tuning elements (40), one for each string. Each fine tuning element (40) includes a forward block element (42) and a rear block element (52) which is rotatable relative to the forward block element. A string of the musical instrument makes critical contact with the fine tuning apparatus at point (59) on the rear block element (52) and maintains surface contact with the rear block element (52) as the surface slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the bridge critical contact point (59), until the point where the string is clamped against surface (60). Means (64, 70) are provided for adjusting the rotatable position of the rear block element (52) relative to the forward block element (42), which results in a change in the tension of the string and hence the fine tune of the string.

Abstract: A portion of the exterior surface material of a knee-elbow protective guard is covered with a treatment mix comprising 4 parts of a polytetrafluorethylene/resin dispersion, one part of an acrylic polymer resin and 5% of a solution of ammonium sulfate. The treatment mix is then applied to the exterior surface material by a silk screening process, and cured by application of heat so that it bonds to the fibers of the exterior surface material of the guard. The treated portion of the resulting protective guard has a substantially lower coefficient of friction than the exterior surface material of an untreated protective guard.

Abstract: A support system for a solar concentrator (10), the support system capable of rotating the solar concentrator (10) in both a horizontal, or azimuth plane, and in a vertical, or altitude, plane. The support system includes a footing (12) to which a spindle (14) is anchored. A central mast (22) is rotatably positioned on the spindle (14). A bearing (40) is positioned near the top of the mast (22). A drive wheel (24) is secured to the mast (22) near the bottom thereof and rotates therewith. A motor (36) is used to rotate the drive wheel (24), and hence the central mast, in the horizontal plane. A system of counterweights (42, 43) and struts (46, 47, 48, 54, 55 and 56 for one counterweight 42 as an example) which connects the bearing (40) and the solar concentrator (10) permits rotation of the solar concentrator in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A stroller including the known and accepted structure of wheels, handle and a rigid frame which supports a baby containing seat, enhanced by the fact that several selected ones of the individual elements comprising the frame which are rigid when in use, are selectively articulated and folded back on themselves lessening the exterior dimension and permitting the stroller to be used as a back and shoulder supported carrying device and further capable of being totally collapsed to a relatively flat non-bulky condition for storage.

Abstract: An exericse machine primarily used in exercising and strengthening muscles and ligaments not normally affected by the standard dynamic and/or isometric approaches. The machine causes the user to work against a centrifugally operated brake which increases the resistance to movement as the rate of movement increases. A horizontally disposed lever including a stirrup is rotated about a vertical shaft by the foot and leg of a user, and the shaft is functionally connected to a speed increasing mechanism and its rate of rotation is regulated by a centrifugal brake. The amount of effort being expended to overcome the brake resistance is displayed by a simple linkage from the brake mechanism to an easily visible indicator.

Abstract: Method for the recovery of acidic effluent from pulp mill chlorine dioxide generators using the Mathieson or Solvay system. The spent generator acid is directed through a three-stage evaporation/crystallization process in which spent acid from the generator is evaporated and crystallized to produce stage 1 sodium bisulfate crystals. The first stage crystals are then redissolved to form a second solution which is crystallized in order to yield stage 2 sodium sesquisulfate crystals and, finally, the second stage crystals are redissolved in a third stage evaporation/crystallization stage to yield sodium sulfate crystals. Besides salt cake, the system also produces reusable sulfuric acid for the chlorine dioxide generator. No chemicals are added during the recovery steps.

Abstract: The slide projector includes side-by-side image-projection systems and a circular slide tray, with slides passing in operation directly between the slide tray and either of two slide gates, the slide gates moving between a first position in which slides are acquired and released, and a second position in which slides are projected onto a screen. A slide lifter, a slide tray lock, slide clamps on each slide gate, and the slide gates are operated in a particular sequence relative to the movement of the slide tray to insure proper handling of the slides in the projector. The slide tray fits on a central hub which in turn is independently driven. Sensors are provided to continuously detect the position of the lifter, the slide gates, and the slide tray. A front end assembly which incorporates lenses which move laterally and vertically, with the longitudinal axes of the lenses remaining parallel at all times, provides precise image alignment, including image overlap and separation.

Abstract: The slide projector includes side-by-side image-projection systems and a circular slide tray, with slides passing in operation directly between the slide tray and either of two slide gates, the slide gates moving between a first position in which slides are acquired and released, and a second position in which slides are projected onto a screen. A slide lifter, a slide tray lock, slide clamps on each slide gate, and the slide gates are operated in a particular sequence relative to the movement of the slide tray to insure proper handling of the slides in the projector. The slide tray fits on a central hub which in turn is independently driven. Sensors are provided to continuously detect the position of the lifter, the slide gates, and the slide tray. A front end assembly which incorporates lenses which move laterally and vertically, with the longitudinal axes of the lenses remaining parallel at all times, provides precise image alignment, including image overlap and separation.