Abstract: This invention provides an improved endoscope having control wires for articulating a set of rings and directing a probe which further provides an overload protection device interconnecting the control wires to an operating member. The overload protection device provides a controlled resiliency to inhibit the application of excess tension to the control wires but provides sufficient force to manipulate the probe.

Abstract: A comb for separating strands of hair to implement and facilitate highlighting, streaking or frosting is described. The comb comprises first and second rows of teeth which project angularly from a handle portion. The teeth in the first row are spaced to initially part and separate strands of hair during combing. The teeth in the second row are adjacent to the first row or teeth but in staggered relation thereto. The teeth in the second row are also shorter in length than the first row of teeth and tapered to provide a secondary partition and separation of strands confined between adjacent teeth of the first row. Each tooth in the second row is also formed with a hook that projects toward an adjacent tooth for engaging and separating alternate strands of hair from a grouping.

Abstract: A bellows pipe construction and method for manufacturing are disclosed wherein helically wound coils of longitudinally corrugated strip are joined with an interlocking seam. Thereafter, the interlocking seam is deformed to position the edges of the strip in substantial parallelism with the axis of the pipe. The resulting pipe can be extended or shortened for installation and will further adjust and accommodate ground movement without substantial loss of strength.

Abstract: A bellows pipe construction and method for manufacturing are disclosed wherein helically wound coils of logitudinally corrugated strip are joined with an interlocking seam. Thereafter, the interlocking seam is deformed to position the edges of the strip in substantial parallelism with the axis of the pipe. The resulting pipe can be extended or shortened for installation and will further adjust and accommodate ground movement without substantial loss of strength.

Abstract: A luminance signal encoder and decoder is disclosed for digitizing multiple high quality signal channels and converting them to a television frame while maintaining the Nyquist Sampling Rate, increasing the density of the digital information which then can be recorded. Recorded signals may then be played back, transmitted to and received by any device that utilizes the television frame.

Abstract: A pipe coupling is described comprising a pair of flanged collars, each collar having a sleeve that fits within one end of a pipe and an integral radial flange that extends radially outward of the pipe section circumference. An annular ring gasket is formed or disposed around each sleeve and the gasket is lodged between the inside surface of the pipe and the sleeve. The end of each pipe section which receives the sleeve is then crimped to form indentations in the exterior surface of the pipe, said indentations compressing the gaskets and forming a watertight seal between the sleeves and the end of each pipe section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an audio-to-radio and radio-to-audio signal converter and method for interfacing a facsimile machine with a radio transmitter-receiver having a microphone input, an audio output and a push-to-talk relay. The converter provides a first circuit for inputting the output signal of a facsimile machine to the microphone input of a radio transmitter-receiver; a second circuit controlled by the output signal of the facsimile machine for operating the push-to-talk relay of the radio transmitter-receiver; and a third circuit connected to the audio output of the transmitter-receiver for amplifying the audio output signal, and inputting the resultant signal to the facsimile machine. A fourth circuit provides a null feedback that keeps the stronger audio signals from being amplified which may trigger the push-to-talk relay.

Abstract: An imprinter for use in applying numbers, names or other indicia upon tickets comprises a motor driven roller; a floating axle that supports a friction roller, an imprint roller and an inking wheel; and guide structure for processing a stack of accordion folded tickets through the imprinter and depositing imprinted tickets into a second stack.

Abstract: A face mask is disclosed for enclosing the nose and mouth of humans and defining an air chamber from which a human may inhale and exhale gases. The mask comprises an inflatable bladder that encircles the air chamber, the bladder having elliptical perforations that are spaced therearound to emit air from the bladder into direct surface contact with the face of the person wearing the mask. Means is also provided for introducing air into both the bladder and the air chamber.

Abstract: A roll forming process is described wherein longitudinal areas of curvature are formed in strip material between longitudinal areas of narrower width, the areas of curvature being bowed downwardly from the center toward the longitudinal flat areas. As the strip material is fed progressively through roll forming stations, the longitudinal areas of curvature are formed into areas of lesser curvature and finally flattened to provide strip material having relative flat areas separated by substantially rectangular ribs. The process is one in which areas of curvature are provided to initially gather strip material for use in forming the sides of one or more ribs with little or no thinning of the strip material.

Abstract: A pear orienting and transfer apparatus for orienting pears stem-end lowermost and subsequently transferring oriented pears with the blossom-end foremost to subsequent inspection, peeling, coring and segmenting stations which includes a channel-bottom reciprocable shaker pan and lifter at each channel for feeding singulated pears one at a time down a movably inclined and intermittently gated delivery chute to a set of orienting rolls that orients each pear stem-end lowermost and places it in one of a plurality of pneumatic gripping cups carried on an indexible rotary cup drum.

Abstract: A disposable rebreathing canister is disclosed for administering oxygen and anesthesia to patients. The canister essentially comprises a housing for a scrubber, including a manifold plate and a rigid container, and a flexible liner disposed within the rigid container. The liner forms an imperforate barrier between the interior of the rigid container and the manifold plate. A scrubber disposed between the manifold plate and liner chemically reacts with gases conducted to it through one of a pair of coaxial passages formed in the manifold plate. Reacted gases are then moved through a tortuous passage either back to the other one of the coaxial passages or removed through an exhaust port.The interior of the rigid container connects with a source of pressure that allows the flexible liner to be collapsed, thus forcing treated gases, fresh oxygen and anesthesia into the lungs of the patient.

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing helically formed pipe from strip material. One side of the strip material is formed to provide a first side flange that projects substantially 90.degree. relative to the plane of the strip. The opposite side of the strip is formed with a channel that includes a second side flange that also projects substantially 90.degree. relative to the plane of the strip but in the opposite direction from the first side flange. The strip material is then helically coiled while the first and second side flanges are moved into abutting contact. Pressure is then applied radially of the pipe axis, forcing the contacting edges of the flanges together while the flanges are welded, thus forming a rib with a helical weld seam located at or near the line of neutral forces in the rib.

Abstract: A travelling pipe cut-off is described having a pair of knife-edged rollers mounted on a carriage that also supports a cut-off torch. At least one roller is engaged with the smooth surface of the pipe at all times during cut-off, each such roller advancing the carriage while the pipe is being advanced. The two rollers are spaced apart such that, as the bulge of a pipe seam approaches one of the rollers, that roller is moved out of engagement with the pipe, but the other roller remains in engagement. The carriage and cut-off mechanism is, therefore, advanced only by that roller which is engaged with a smooth surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A hand held remote control device having enhanced range capability includes a radio transmitter for transmitting encoded signals at a frequency between 1 MHz to 1 GHz, a battery and switch for energizing the transmitter, means for encoding and transmitting signals, and a housing, the improvement wherein said transmitter includes an open loop antenna connected to a conductive object that is exposed to the operator's touch on the outside of the housing.

Abstract: A roller stamp is provided including a die roller to which is affixed a die strip formed of flexible plastic material which encircles the die roller, the ends thereof being adjacent or abutting, said die strip having a central embossed printing surface and recessed surface areas on either side thereof. The die strip is secured to the roller by means of a pair of staples that engage the adjacent ends of the die strip on both sides of the embossed printing surface within the recessed areas.

Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid variety of Leschenaultia formosa by Leschenaultia biloba characterized by the combination of a violet blue flower paling to mauve at the center; a flowering period of autumn through to late spring; five winged petals and a corolla tube with both a basal tuft and lining of hairs internally.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Anigozanthos hybrid characterized by the combination of: arching leaves; average flowering stem length of 28 cm; a flower with a yellow-green perianth flaring distally; a yellow ovary covered with red hairs and a style ending below the anthers; and comes into flower all year round when propagated by tissue culture.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Leschenaultia formosa characterized by the combination of a large flower with frilled and rounded lower wings, deep pink petals and a bushy and erect growth habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Leschenaultia formosa characterized by the combination of a large flower with predominantly red petals, and a yellow center and a corolla tube which is predominantly maroon externally.