Abstract: A pair of skis and ski poles can be carried by means of an apparatus having a fastener (e.g., a split ring or clip) that is secured to a first ski pole above the ski pole basket. An elongated member, such as a length of chain or flexible cord, is attached at one end to the fastener. A ring is attached to the other end of the elongated member that can be slipped over the tip of the second ski pole. The skis and poles are carried by first establishing a substantially parallel orientation of both ski poles with the elongated member extending between the ski poles. The skis are then placed perpendicularly through the opening between the poles until the toe bindings of the skis rest against the poles. The entire assembly is carried over the shoulder of the skier. The pole handles extend in front of the skier. The skis are held in a substantially vertical orientation between the back of the skier and the ski pole baskets.

Abstract: An improved support rib for a satellite dish antenna is disclosed wherein a male side rib selectively engages a female side rib continuously along the longitudinal length of the support rib and wherein the male and female side rib each comprises a continuous engagement device having a lower channel for selectively receiving the side of a parabolic reflective petal and an upper member for one-time flexing downwardly over the lower channel to firmly engage and hold the side of the reflective petal continuously along the longitudinal length of the support rib. When flexed downwardly, the upper member lies in the same plane as the support rib and the petal.

Abstract: A motion analysis tool for viewing the repetitive motion of an object having a video camera for producing images of the object as it moves, a strobe directed at the object for illuminating the object while the image is taken, a controller for capturing a series of video images over a number of cycles of the object wherein only one image is captured in a cycle and each successive image is advanced a predetermined step of time in successive cycle so that when the series of images is displayed a slow motion view of the object is provided while the object moves in the repetitive motion. The analysis tool provides a viewing window wherein the full cycle or only a selected portion of the cycle can be repeatedly viewed. The predetermined steps of time can be varied to increase the resolution.

Abstract: An electrostatic system monitor and method for monitoring the operation of static control equipment such as conductive workbench and floor mats, conductive wrist straps, and the integrity of ground connections and soldering irons and to activate indicators and alarms when the static control equipment deteriorates or malfunctions by having resistances outside of predetermined values and ranges of resistance. The electrostatic system monitor also provides for the detection of unsafe voltage potentials on soldering irons, and for a surface resistance probe for measuring the surface conductivity of conductive surfaces of the static control equipment.

Abstract: A tape head positioning system for a tape cartridge drive data backup system having a stepper motor with a lead screw connected to the stepper motor and a follower nut threadedly engaging the lead screw. The follower nut has a formed slot for receiving one end of a lever arm. The other end of the lever arm engages in a formed slot a head mounting assembly carrying the tape head and the lever arm is pivoted a first predetermined distance from the first end and a second predetermined distance from the second end. The ratio of the first predetermined distance to the second predetermined distance determines a mechanical advantage for the system thereby causing an inexpensive coarser motor to effectuate fine adjustments of the tape head.

Abstract: A device for viewing architectural scale models from the same eye level perspective of a normal sized person viewing the full scale buildings. The device comprises a horizontal base component having a mirror thereon and a vertical component adjustably mounted to the base component with a second mirror mounted on the vertical component. An image of a model placed in front of the device is reflected from the second mirror on to the horizontal mirror. A viewfinder is formed on the vertical component so that a person looking through the viewfinder can observe the reflected image of the model. The device includes adjustable joints to adjust the device to a range of scale settings.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for assembling magnetic tape drive read/write head modules of the present invention uses an assembly fixture that enables a worker to completely assemble and align the read/write head module in a single step process. This is accomplished by providing an assembly fixture that securely holds the rectangular shaped read/write head frame in a fixed position. A read head and write head alignment tool is pivotally attached to the assembly fixture for magnetically suspending the read head and write head in the rectangular shaped opening in the read/write head frame in a predetermined position. This alignment tool includes an aperture such that the worker can view the transducing gaps on the read head and the write head for alignment purposes. Two sets of threaded rods are included in this assembly apparatus to modify the lateral position of the read head and the write head such that the transducing gaps on these two heads are in exact alignment with respect to each other.

Abstract: The optimum processing of magnetically or optically recorded data to recover recorded data bits and clocking information should include apparatus to compensate for variations in media velocity during writing and reading of the media. The adaptive velocity compensation circuit accomplishes this result by sampling the media velocity and comparing the sample to a reference velocity usng a digital tachometer. The result of this comparison is used to control a variable pulsewidth single shot which adjusts the operation of a phase locked loop phase detector to match the velocity of the moving media.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting leaks in fuel storage tanks. A float suspended in the tank liquid determines liquid levels and transmits the liquid level information via an infrared beam to a probe processor in the upper port of the tank. The probe processor stores a plurality of level indications for subsequent uploading to an external computer which analyzes the level information to generate leakage rate information.

Abstract: A tire bead breaking tool has a primary frame with a stem segment and a perpendicular retaining segment. A sliding member slides parallel to this stem segment. A threaded engagement bolt is used to adjust and secure the relative position of the sliding member with respect to the primary frame. A parallel arm is connected through a slot in the stem segment to the sliding member, and translates parallel to the stem segment as the position of the sliding member is adjusted by the engagement bolt. A second, hinged arm is pivotally attached to the end of the parallel arm distal from the cross segment. An actuating bolt is employed to pivot this hinged arm with respect to the parallel arm.

Abstract: F(ab) fragments are isolated from an antibody containing source by contacting the antibody containing source with a papain-polyacrylamide matrix to produce F(ab) and F(c) fragments which are then passed through an antigen-polyacrylamide gel capable of attracting the F(ab) fragments. F(ab).sub.2 fragments are obtained by contacting the antibody containing source with a pepsin-polyacrylamide matrix to produce F(ab).sub.2 and F(c) fragments which are then passed through an antigen-polyacrylamide gel capable of attracting the F(ab).sub.2 fragments. IgG antibodies are obtained by passing an antibody containing source through an antigen-polyacrylamide gel. These processes can be used to purifiy a wide variety of antibodies which can be used as therapeutic agents and as diagnostic agents. Antivenins produced by these processes have substantially reduced foreign protein levels and hence are less likely to produce immunogenic reactions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for permitting a plurality of substrates to be positioned within a magnetic field unique to each substrate so that the plurality of substrates may be placed in a vacuum chamber and concurrently coated with a thin film. A magnetic field unique to and associated with each substrate may be oriented so that all substrates have a uniform magnetic field and magnetic orientation. Alternatively, the magnetic field and orientation of each substrate may be individually tailored to produce a different magnetic characteristic for each substrates.

Abstract: An electromanipulation chamber for selectively holding a suspension of vesicles is disclosed having a one-piece holder molded from dielectric material wherein the holder comprises an outer cylindrically-shaped collar and an inner circular-shaped ring having a formed annular region centrally located therein. A passageway is formed through the ring and the collar and a pair of electrodes having a diameter slightly greater than the inner diameter of the collar is mounted on opposing sides of the annular region. The pair of electrodes and the annular region form the electromanipulation chamber and a positive fluid-tight seal is formed aournd the edges of the annular region with electrodes to contain the suspension with the vesicles.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter is formed by first introducing one end of an expandable tube into the blood vessel. A divider is then inserted into the distal end of the tube and extends the length of the tube, thereby dividing the tube into a plurality of the separate lumens. Insertion of the divider causes radial expansion of the tube which substantially seals the opening in the wall of the vessel. In one embodiment, the divider has a hollow triangular cross-section which creates four separate lumens. A series of raised protrusions extending outwardly from the sides of the divider prevent collapse of the tube against the divider.

Abstract: A suspended monorail track system has a box-shaped cross section with flanges extending inward and upward from the bottom edges of the side walls to form an acute angle between each flange and its attached side wall. An opening remains between the flanges extending along the bottom of the track. An intermediate horizontal wall may be added below the top wall to form an enclosed channel for power and signal cables within the track. A number of power and signal conductors extend along the interior surfaces of the track to provide electrical contact with vehicles moving along the track. Signal conductors are used to prevent collision between vehicles. Each vehicle is suspended from the track by a bogie assembly extending through the opening along the bottom of the track. The bogie assembly is supported by load-bearing wheels riding on the upper surfaces of the flanges, and stabilized by a second set of wheels rolling along the bottom surfaces of the flanges.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a thin film magnetic head to achieve improved dimensions and tolerances of the pole tip portion of the head. A lower thin film magnetic layer comprising the lower pole tip is first formed followed by a thin layer defining the gap of the head. A thin film magnetic layer is then deposited only in the vicinity of the pole tip to define the upper pole of the head. Following this, successive layers of insulation and coils are deposited. Finally, a top thin film magnetic layer is deposited. This top layer contacts the already formed layer comprising the top pole piece.

Abstract: An anti-tip device for a free-standing cabinet that has within it one or more forward sliding compartments, such as shelves, drawers or bins, is comprised of a pair of horizontal arms which are attached to the front of the cabinet, and which pivot on a vertical axis between a retracted position flush with the cabinet face and an extended position perpendicular to the cabinet face in response to the forward movement of a cabinet compartment.

Abstract: An electronically switched power supply that automatically adjusts its operation to produce a fixed output voltage as input voltages of different magnitudes are applied at different times and which has a circuit breaker and circuit breaker control circuitry which provides circuit breaker protection at a fixed output current as the different input voltages are applied.

Abstract: The automatic magnetic tape cartridge stack loader apparatus includes a stack load slot for receiving a stack of magnetic tape cartridges. This slot is supported on the bottom by an indexing mechanism that translates the stack of magnetic tape cartridges in a downward direction so that the bottom most magnetic tape cartridge in the stack is in position in front of the tape drive access port, and supported by a load mechanism for insertion into the tape drive. A pair of stack grab plates, located on either side of the stack load slot concurrently operate to clamp the stack of magnetic tape cartridges, less the bottom most one, as the stack is translating in the downward direction. Once the bottom most magnetic tape cartridge is positioned on the load mechanism, the drop mechanism is operated to be repositioned under the stack of magnetic tape cartridges held by the stack grab plates. A tractor mechanism is then activated to load the magnetic tape cartridge from the load mechanism into the tape drive.