Abstract: In the first embodiment, a coupling assembly is provided wherein the inner peripheral diameter of an annular spring is sized to be threadably received over the threads of a coupler and is held in a recess formed by the ends of threads and the edge of a shoulder. This structure minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly. Additionally, it provides a quick connect, quick disconnect coupling and has a peripheral stripe to provide a visual indication of its connected or disconnected status. In the second embodiment, a wavy spring is split which allows its diameter to be temporarily enlarged so that it can be received over the threads of the coupler and then spring back to its original smaller diameter so that it is held in a recess formed by the ends of the threads and a coupler flange. This structure also minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly.

Abstract: A reversible liferaft has an inflatable structure (10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 40) that supports a canopy providing a floor (14) and a roof (15) that lie in parallel planes. This makes the liferaft reversible which is a useful safety feature.

Abstract: This apparatus conceals an emergency warning device, which may be in the form of an array of laterally spaced lights and/or sirens, mounted on an emergency vehicle below a vertically movable roof section in an opening formed in the roof of the emergency vehicle. In a first lowered position, the lights are concealed below the roof line of the vehicle. A power source, such as an electric motor, can be selectively activated to raise the roof section above the roof line of the vehicle so that the lights attached thereto are also raised above the roof line and pivoted into a second operative position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in situ measurement of the concentration of a gas with a frequency modulated tunable diode laser is disclosed. The sampling cell, which is mounted in the flow of gases to be measured, is a Herriott cell. Gas enters the sampling cell through sintered metal filters that prevent entrance of particulates. Signals from a sample detector and a null detector are compared to eliminate interference patterns from the laser optics. High accuracy dynamic calibration of the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ear tag is provided which includes a locking member for multi-purpose storage of desired articles. In the first embodiment, the locking member is a transverse portion including a cutting tip for engaging a visual display panel of the ear tag. In another embodiment, the cutting tip may be formed integral with the panel and the transverse portion may include an opening for receiving the cutting tip. In another embodiment, the locking member may be of a conical shape. In yet another embodiment, a two-piece locking assembly is characterized by a retaining section and a cutting tip attached thereto, and a transverse portion which is engaged by the retaining section. Various types of cutting tips are disclosed and additional transverse portions may be provided for additional storage for desired articles. The ear tag is compatible for installation by standard ear tag installation tools.

Abstract: An implant is provided which facilitates enhanced structural stability across a joint to be immobilized. The sacroiliac implant is an elongate structure having two cylindrical sections of differing diameters. The implant further has like-handed, but dissimilar pitched threaded sections at the proximal and distal ends thereof to produce compressive forces across the joint. A hollow core traverses the length of the implant. A plurality of apertures or openings are formed through the implant transversely to the longitudinal axis and communicate with the hollow core. Bone graft or a BMP-soaked carrier fill the hollow core. The openings or apertures provide a conductive path of healing for bony ingrowth. The proximal end of the implant provides for engagement with a tool to drive the implant.

Abstract: A first coupling member has a peripheral facing surface with a pair of annular slots, each of a different length and width. A second coupling member has a lock ring longitudinally slidable thereon with a facing surface having a pair of annular raised locking tabs sized to correspond to the respective annular slots. A resilient annular spring mounted within the lock ring urges it toward the first coupling member so that the locking tabs engage their respective slots when the coupling is tightened to a predetermined extent during rotation in the locking direction to releasably and positively lock the coupling. An indicator stripe on the peripheral edge of the first coupling member is exposed before the locking tabs and slots are engaged. Alignment between the respective locking tabs and slots allows longitudinal movement of the lock ring so that it covers the indicator stripe.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention include first and second sets of louvers which extend through the conveying surface for creating downstream and upstream force vectors of air which serve the dual function of creating a low pressure area under unstable, lightweight, upright containers to hold them in an upright position while simultaneously enveloping the side walls of the containers in vertical columns of air which moves along a substantially vertical force vector to further assist in holding them in an upright position as they move from an upstream location to a downstream location along the surface of an air conveyor. This is accomplished by the use of lance and coined louvers arranged in a predetermined pattern to provide both upstream and downstream force vectors of air as well as substantially vertical force vectors of air. Alternatively, an array of trapezoidal louvers can be used in conjunction with an interspersed array of vertical openings in a deck plate to provide the same dual function.

Abstract: A slot cabinet and base unit of this invention are provided for maximizing the number of gaming machines within a given floor space. The invention minimizes required floor space by reducing the size of the gaming machine and also enabling a player to sit closer to the gaming machine. The slot cabinet has a narrowed profile which reduced its effective width. The slot cabinet further includes a rear member which complements another slot cabinet placed back-to-back, thus reducing the overall width of two slot cabinets placed back-to-back. The arrangement of the elements of the gaming machine placed within the slot cabinet helps to reduce the overall size of the slot cabinet. The base unit of this invention enables a player to sit closer to a slot cabinet mounted thereon. The base unit may be configured for receiving back-to-back slot cabinets thereon, or may be configured for receiving a single wall slot cabinet. The base unit and slot cabinet may both be modified to achieve weight reduction.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: Apparatuses for and methods of installing ear tags are provided. One embodiment of the invention is defined as an ear tag installation tool and which makes use of a pair of handle members which control the insertion of an inserting member through an opening formed in the ear of an animal. The inserting member has attached to it a portion of the ear tag during the insertion process. The inserting member is disposable and separates from the handle members after the insertion process is complete. In a second embodiment, the ear tag installation tool is an elongate tool having a handle and a distal tip for receiving the inserting member. In a third embodiment of the invention, an ear tag installer is provided which has some elements directly attached to the ear tag. The ear tag installer also includes a driving tool which forces the inserting member through the ear. In this third embodiment, the ear tag installation tools of the first and second embodiments can be used as preferred forms of the driving tool.

Abstract: Apparatuses for and methods of installing ear tags are provided. One embodiment of the invention is defined as an ear tag installation tool and which makes use of a pair of handle members which control the insertion of an inserting member through an opening formed in the ear of an animal. The inserting member has attached to it a portion of the ear tag during the insertion process. The inserting member may be disposable and separates from the handle members after the insertion process is complete. In a second embodiment, the ear tag installation tool is an elongate tool having a handle and a distal tip for receiving the inserting member. In a third embodiment of the invention, an ear tag installer is provided which has some elements directly attached to the ear tag. The ear tag installer also includes a driving tool which forces the inserting member through the ear. In this third embodiment, the ear tag installation tools of the first and second embodiments can be used as preferred forms of the driving tool.

Abstract: A snowshoe is provided with an integrally molded and supported hinge pin. A foot plate rotates about the hinge pin, and has mating structure which provides outstanding structural support, particularly during transverse loading conditions. The foot plate extends both forward and rearward of the hinge pin to further stabilize a wearer's foot. The bottom surface of the deck includes a plurality of traction ribs which also provide stiffening support to the deck. The mid portion of the deck is heavily reinforced with a plurality of mid support ribs which further stabilizes the hinge pin. A removable crampon plate attaches to the foot plate, and extends across the hinge pin. It may be adjusted to vary the depth of the engagement with the ground.

Abstract: A fan shipping frame includes a frame assembly for supporting a loaded fan section of a jet aircraft engine. A plurality of caster assemblies attached to the shipping frame provide locomotive capability and adjustable height positioning so that a loaded fan section may be transferred onto the appropriate transport aircraft or vehicle. Rail members mounted on the frame assembly are alignable with rail members of a fan dolly so that the fan section may be directly transferred from the fan dolly onto the shipping frame. A template integral with the shipping frame enables the fan section to be mounted thereon. A platform assembly rotatably mounted to the shipping frame may be deployed to enable the fan section to be tilted or tipped from a vertical transport position to a horizontal transport position wherein the shipping frame may be transported in either position. A storage container mounted on the shipping frame stores the removed fan blades of the fan section in either position.

Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. In a first embodiment of the invention, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. In a second embodiment, the image sensor is remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and wherein a control box can be provided which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes.

Abstract: A subsea pipe laying system is mounted on a ship and comprises a fabrication station where lengths of pipe are welded together to form a pipeline. The pipeline is then guided to a pipe laying zone where including a straightener under the control of a tensioner/clamping arrangement the pipeline is straightened and laid on the sea bed. The straightener and the tensioner/clamps are mounted on a ramp which can be tilted whereas the fabrication zone is on the deck of the vessel. The pipeline can either be fabricated in a forward direction and then have its direction and movement reversed to lay over the stern or be fabricated in an aft direction and laid over the stern.

Abstract: A sterile operating room video monitor and video monitor support device are provided to enable a surgeon to more easily conduct endoscopic procedures. A lightweight self-contained monitor module is provided to enable the surgeon to easily manipulate the image on the video monitor of a surgical area. A video support stand which secures the video monitor in the sterile operating field allows a surgeon to precisely place the video monitor at a desired position. The video support stand includes a monitor mount which may have a plurality of apertures communicating with a source of vacuum to hold a sterile drape tightly over the monitor module screen. Alternatively, the drape may be eliminated, and a close tolerance fit is made between the monitor mount and video monitor securing it in the sterile field. This invention allows positioning of the video monitor in the natural line of sight of the surgeon as he or she performs an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: An improved snowshoe is provided which includes a unitary molded planar platform and a peripheral curved lip extending away from the platform. Integral with the underside of the platform is a plurality of stiffening ribs to provide support to the platform. Retaining straps are provided for securing a wearer's foot to the snowshoe platform. A plurality of slots are formed through the platform which enables snow trapped on the surface of the platform to fall therethrough. In a first embodiment, the slots also serve as anchor points for selective placement of the retaining straps and selective positioning of the foot on the platform. Based upon the wearer's desire, the straps may be arranged in a number of different combinations and selectively adjusted to accommodate the particular type of foot gear worn. A second embodiment enables the platform to receive either a cross-country ski binding or a snowboard binding. A third embodiment discloses a snowshoe having a binding especially adapted for use by children.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, an ultraviolet air sterilization device includes a housing and one or more mounts which connect to germicidal lamp units which protrude into the air stream of an air handling duct. Each lamp has an integral receptacle with an electrical connection for attachment to a source of power from within the housing. The receptacle/lamp combination provides stiffening reinforcement to the lamp. The receptacles connect to their corresponding mounts by means of a threaded connection which enables the lamp units to be easily removed from within the air handling duct. In a second aspect of the invention, a mobile ultraviolet sterilization is provided. The mobile ultraviolet sterilization device includes the sterilization device of the first aspect mounted to a mobile platform or frame. A handle is also provided enabling an operator to traverse the sterilization device over a floor covering at a desired speed.