Abstract: A multi-stage weighing apparatus having a primary force reducing torsion-bar assembly and a secondary force reducing means. The combination of the primary and secondary force reducers enabling the scale to measure the weight of very heavy objects while having relatively small overall dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically scanning a log and selecting an optimal log orientation for sawing the log into lumber. The apparatus includes a log holder, a camera, and a computer system connected to the camera. The log holder comprises a set of rollers to facilitate rotation of the log and a red background to provide visual contrast with the log. Fluorescent lights directed toward the log are secured to a frame and directed toward the log to provide uniform lighting for scanning the log. The camera is mounted on the frame for movement parallel with the length of the log to obtain optical images of the entire log, one section at a time. The log is rotated 180.degree. in each section in order to scan the entire outer surface of the log. The computer system comprises an interface for converting the optical images into computer images.

Abstract: A shipping carton including a box assembly and a plurality of floral grouping assemblies. The box assembly has a inner surface partially enclosing a retaining space. An adhesive or cohesive is applied to at least a portion of the inner surface of the box assembly. The floral grouping assemblies are disposed in the retaining space and a portion of each of the floral grouping assemblies is removably and adhesively or cohesively connected to the box assembly for preventing substantial movement of the floral grouping assemblies during shipment.

Abstract: A flat-paneled flower pot or flower pot cover and apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into a flat-paneled flower pot or flower pot cover. A platform supports a female die having an opening with flat surfaces for forming panels in the base and skirt of the flower pot or flower pot cover. The sheet of material is centered over the opening of the female die. A bracket having a plurality of legs which align with the panel-forming surfaces of the female die is placed on the sheet of material. The top surface of the platform and the bracket legs frictionally control the sheet of material as a male die pushes the sheet of material into the female die. A plurality of pivoting fingers at the upper end of the female die push the sheet of material against the male die as the male die enters the opening of the female die. The sheet of material is pressed between forming surfaces of the male and female die to form the flat-paneled flower pot or flower pot cover.

Abstract: A concealable flap actuated vortex generator for generating a vortex on a lifting surface assembly, and an improved aircraft flight lifting surface having such concealable flap actuated vortex generators. When the flap of the lifting surface assembly is in the nominal (non-extended or non-deflected) position, the vortex generator is unexposed. When the flap is actuated by a flap actuator, the flap is extended or deflected from the nominal position, thereby projecting or exposing the vortex generator into an operational position and enabling the generation of a vortex.

Abstract: An instrument for grasping and incising the scrotum of an animal. The instrument has a barrel, a spring-loaded rod within the barrel, a pair of forceps members attached to the rod and a knife housing with a spring-loaded knife at the forward end of the barrel. A spring-biased latch member is provided to hold the knife in a cocked position. A trigger is attached to the barrel to cock the rod in a forward position with the forceps members extending forward through the knife housing and to release the rod for rapid movement rearward in the barrel. With the knife and rod cocked, the forceps members are applied to the scrotum of an animal. The trigger is then pressed to release the rod and forceps members rearward. The rearward movement of the forceps members draws a portion of the scrotum into the knife housing behind the knife. The final rearward movement of the rod causes the latch member to be tripped, and the knife is released to incise the scrotum.

Abstract: A top-entry check valve having a seat, cage, disc and removable bonnet utilizes projections to prevent movement of the seat, cage and disc in the downstream direction. An annular shoulder in the valve body prevents movement of the seat, cage and disc in the upstream direction. The disc has a hinge pin which is cradled in hinge pin supports of the cage to hold the disc in place. Removal of the bonnet allows access to the valve chamber for replacement of the seat, cage or disc.

Abstract: A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.

Abstract: A holder connectable to a support for holding a beverage receptacle. The holder includes a body with a strap constructed of a flexible material connected to the body. The strap is removably connectable to the support for removably connecting the body to the support. The holder also includes a connector for connecting the holder to an automobile ashtray and means for connecting the holder in a cup opening of an automobile console.

Abstract: A modular gas services outlet unit for providing gas related services, such as compressed air, oxygen and vacuum, to a health care facility. The unit is enclosed within a shell which may be mounted on a surface or installed in a recess in a wall. Preferably, each of the gas service devices utilized in the unit is supported by a swivel connector assembly which allows the gas service device to be moved between an operating position in which the device extends a distance outside the shell and a storage position in which the device is contained entirely within the shell. In this way, when the gas service is not required the fully assembled gas service device can be rotated to the storage position inside the shell. In most instances the unit will include a cover which is slidably mounted over the shell for concealing the unit when none of the gas services are in use.

Abstract: An above-the-knee prosthesis with an anatomically configured socket. The socket is characterized by one or more contours which correspond to pre-selected anatomical contours of the residual thigh. By slightly exaggerating the depth of the contour in the socket as compared with the corresponding contour in the thigh, the socket grips the residual thigh and maintains the femur in proper alignment and prevents rotation. Thus, discomfort and the gait abnormalities common in above-the-knee prostheses are reduced or eliminated. A system of inflatable compartments may be included for adjusting the size and fit of the prosthesis. Each of the inflatable compartments corresponds to one of the anatomical contours in the socket and is separately inflatable. In this way, the patient may adjust the dimensions of the socket and, more specifically, the depths of certain contours in the socket as needed to accommodate changes in the size of the residual thigh due to fluid shifts or swelling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering portions of an object having an outer peripheral surface with a sheet of material having an upper surface and a lower surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower surface by wrapping the sheet of material about portions of the outer peripheral surface and positioning the sheet of material so that the pressure sensitive coating either contacts portions of the outer peripheral surface of the object and is bonded thereto or contacts overlapping portions of the sheet of material and is bonded to other adjacent portions of the sheet of material having the pressure sensitive coating thereon or overlapping portions of the sheet of material are bonded by the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A method for treating the soil in a performance arena. An effective amount of a treatment composition is applied to the soil in a performance area in the performance arena. The treatment composition is a water absorbing substance having a slow water releasing capability whereby the treatment composition absorbs water and slowly releases the absorb water for substantially reducing dust resulting in performance activities. The treatment composition in a preferred form is a gel-forming, water absorbing polymer or, more particularly, a crosslinked polyacrylamide polymer. The method particularly is directed to treating the performance area in an animal arena such as an indoor or outdoor facility where horse shows or rodeos or the like occur.

Abstract: Treating an article with an agent capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and/or fungus in an item susceptible to decay due to growth of bacteria and/or fungus. The article either at least partially is wrapped about or receives therein at least a portion of the item. Some examples of articles are floral wrappings, artificial Easter Eggs, and Easter grass.