Abstract: A marine engine exhaust system and method utilizes first and second enclosed, generally tubular chambers having generally parallel lengthwise dimensions and internal intermediatae exhaust passageways spaced along the lengthwise dimension of the second chamber for circulating the exhaust gases through the first chamber, laterally through the intermediate exhaust passageways into the second chamber, along the lengthwise dimension of the second chamber and thence out of an outlet exhaust passageway which passes through the second chamber wall and may also extend through a cooling water-collecting portion of the first chamber to achieve maximum muffling of the exhaust gas noise.

Abstract: A secure storage system for keys or similar articles has an locked storage module with a drawer. A horizontal drawer shelf holds a plurality of cards in numbered slots. Each card has a self-clocking bar code ID number that is scanned by a fixed optical reader as the drawer is opened or closed. A computer connected to the module stores in memory the key number and slot location of each stored key whenever the drawer is opened and closed. An authorized user enters his authorization code and a desired key number into the computer which unlocks the storage module. The computer displays the slot location of the requested key, inventories the keys and maintains records of all transactions.

Abstract: A coin collection and analyzation apparatus has a coin track extending between a coin opening and an escrow relay which escrows coins and then diverts them either to a collection box or to a customer return. The coins are analyzed while passing along the coin track to provide an output for operating the escrow relay for determining whether the coin is acceptable or is to be rejected.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a weighted head member having a leading, downwardly and forwardly angled planar front surface which causes the weighted head member to dive downwardly while oscillating, and further includes a generally planar fin attached to the head member and extending above the head member when the lure is moving through the water. Either an artificial skirt or live bait is attached to a rearwardly tapered body portion.

Abstract: A one-piece sealed, hollow, steel sliding screen door frame and method of fabrication thereof is described. A flat steel strip is diecut to produce 45.degree. miter cuts, each having an opposing flap. The cut strip is rolled to produce a frame stock having an essentially rectangular profile. Longitudinal edges of the strip are folded together, crimped and bonded during the rolling and form a screen channel in the frame stock. The frame stock is bent at right angles at the miter cuts such that the flaps tuck under the miter cuts, forming a rectangular door frame. Epoxy is used to bond the flaps to the inner surfaces adjacent the miter cuts. A screen door assembled using the door frame includes self-centering wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A preassembled unit for a sewage nitrification field has minimum outward dimensions of loose, lightweight plastic aggregate material enveloped and bound by a plastic sleeve around a horizontal conduit. In one embodiment, the unit takes a bag form with an aggregate-filled netting sleeve concentrically surrounding and fastened to the ends of corrugated plastic vent pipe. In another form, the sleeve is a plastic extrusion of rectangular cross-section and the conduit can be formed integrally with the sleeve. Cross-webbing is added for strength. In ground installation, conduitless units make up insufficiency of aggregate dimension. Mating male and female end caps are used to interconnect the conduit of adjacent units end-to-end. Apparatus for manufacturing the concentric netting sleeve/vent pipe version has a hopper that discharges aggregate into the top of a mandrel and an annular disc or helical auger blade that pushes the aggregate forward into the sleeve.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method and apparatus employs differential radiation detection apparatus for remotely detecting temperature differentials between a plurlity of areas on the surface of an object having a plurality of lenses which each focus a beam of radiation from a corresponding area of the body onto a radiation detector in such a way that not more than one field of view reaches the detector at any time.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprising a first pair of flat reflective surfces parallel to one another and connected by a second pair of flat rectangular reflective surfaces converging toward one another so as to form a reflective chamber having a relatively wide opening for the entrance of radiation and a relatively narrow opening defining a region for receiving radiaiton, there being a radiation sensor positioned in the receiving region for detecting fluctuations in levels of radiation received from a plurality of detection zones.

Abstract: A plurality of shucked shellfish are mechanically eviscerated utilizing a series of longitudinally aligned inclined channels, each channel formed of a power-driven roller and adjacent insert rollers, the insert rollers extending generally parallel and longitudinally aligned with each other. The frictional surfaces of the rollers and the spacing between adjacent rollers, or both, are controlled to effectively separate the soft shellfish viscerae from the soft adductor muscle of the shellfish without significant damage to the muscles.

Abstract: A portable aid for assisting an invalid or elderly person in rising from a sitting position includes a portable vertical support and a brace member attached and stored with the portable vertical support. The brace member extends away from the vertical support and has a dimension in the horizontal direction sufficient to extend across the seat of the chair to permit a sitting person to push downwardly upon the brace member for assistance in rising to a standing position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for operating a combustion engine by controlling the spark ignition voltage to said engine. Said control is created by the application of two opposing currents to the input of an amplifying device which is used to selectively shunt a constant current source away from the control electrode of a second amplifying device connected to control the formation of said ignition voltage.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the invention use a beam of laser emitted optical energy to effect wound closure and reconstruction of biological tissue. In response to input as to tissue type and thickness, a computer determines the output power, exposure time and spot diameter of the emitted beam to control the application of optical energy to produce thermal heating of biological tissue to a degree suitable for denaturing the tissue proteins such that the collagenous elements of the tissue form a "biological glue" to seal immediately and/or to reconstruct the tissue being heated. In a given embodiment, the computer directly controls output power of the laser by regulating the laser's input current, and limits exposure time by deactivating a shutter mechanism when the determined time is reached. Beam diameter is manually set in response to a displayed value for a sliding scale that controls the working distance between the end of a fiber optic beam guide and the tissue site.

Abstract: A left ventricular assist device and method is utilized to relieve the hemodynamic burden on a diseased left ventricle in the heart of a patient by inserting a shunt having an impellar for effectuating a substantially non-turbulent, non-traumatic flow of blood either from the left atrium or the patient's venous system, directly into the patient's arterial system. The impellar shunt may be utilized in either a temporary or permanent implant setting.

Abstract: A rounded top header extrusion for boat windshields being constructed as a unitary extruded member for rigidly engaging a boat windshield. The extrusion provides a curved upper surface for supporting a boat canopy, and a recessed channel extending inwardly into the extrusion for receiving a fastener or similar article for attachment of a boat canopy. The extrusion is defined in cross-section by a pair of generally parallel arms forming a windshield engaging channel, and a generally semi-circular rail portion extending across the channel between the arms.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for organizing and maintaining a plurality of catheters, valves, intravenous and monitoring lines for patient care includes a member having a surface dimensioned to receive a patient, and with at least one wing rotatably coupled to the member. The wing has a manifold at its distal extremity for receiving the catheters, intravenous and monitoring lines in a relatively fixed relation with respect to the patient during rotation of the wing. The wing is rotatable into numerous positions between a first position lateral to the sides of the member into a second position generally parallel to the member. An identifying sleeve at the opposite ends of each catheter or line further facilitates organization and identification.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting plants against the effects of a drop in ambient temperature by causing the formation and preservation of dew or rime, according to the circumstances. The apparatus comprises a "dew box" which measures the ambient temperature and the dew point temperature, a set of comparators for triggering the start of spraying and the start of water heating as a function of ambient temperature, and a control system, including a calculating device, for regulating the temperature of the spraying water.

Abstract: The extension shaft removal tool consists of one base tool with two combination lifter plates and is specifically designed to separate the automatic washer drive motor shaft from the extension shaft of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A protective glove of flexible, resilient foam material has a rear portion partially encircling the wrist and held thereto by a releasable circumferential elastic strap and a front portion, including a knuckle covering thickened portion and a downwardly extending finger covering portion, held in place by a laterally extending palm strap. The inside surface of the finger portion includes a ladder-like member having first and second elongated laterally extending bands joined at intermediate points by three cross-member bands which define two loops through which second and third fingers pass to draw the front and rear portions together to tighten the glove when making a fist. One band is attached to the glove to form an integral part of the inner surface of the finger portion, and has ends extending beyond the cross-members. The other band is raised above the inner surface and has free floating end appendages beyond the cross-member junctures which assist in grasping and distribution of glove tightening forces.