Abstract: An endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly is provided that includes a cylindrical shaped endoscope that is insertable within a sterile end cap with attached sterile drape, the drape being extendable over the length of the endoscope and its trailing cables thus isolating the endoscope and its trailing cables from the environment. A sterile separable channel section is provided that releasably attaches to the end cap. The separable channel section has a plurality of longitudinal channels running therethrough so that operative fluids, gases or operative instruments may be applied to the surgical site. To enable a surgeon to obtain selectable images of an operative site, a detachable viewing head may be attached to the distal end of the endoscope prior to placement of the endoscope inside the end cap.

Abstract: An apparatus applies dressing fluid to a bowling lane surface in a discrete pattern laterally across a plurality of zones on the bowling lane. A carriage, for movement along a bowling lane, has an applicator mounted thereon for applying the dressing fluid to the bowling lane surface. Dressing fluid is supplied from a reservoir by means off a plurality of pulse valves which supply the dressing fluid to a plurality of fluid dispersion chambers, each having an inlet connected to one of the pulse valves and having an outlet positioned to apply dressing fluid to the applicator. The outlet has a width equal to the width of one of the zones. A controller is provided for selectively activating each of the pulse valves to discharge a discrete amount of fluid dressing into each dispersion chamber. Each zone may be the width of one board across the bowling alley so that different discrete amounts of oil can be applied to each board.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel, water and oxygen lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes laterally spaced locking tines which engage a mating channel for locking the coupling in secured relationship. The coupling assembly can be manipulated with one hand and has viewing ports to ensure that all parts are in place. A pivotal locking member is provided to supply additional redundancy. The locking member has at least one fin which is received between the locking tines and snaps into locking position when the coupling is securely fastened. If the coupling is not securely fastened, the fin will not fit between the tines, thereby preventing the locking member from snapping into locked position. Thus, the mechanic will know that the coupling is not securely fastened and will take steps to remedy the problem.

Abstract: A deck plate support structure for an air conveyor includes two major structural members; namely, an upper support member and a lower support member. The upper and lower support members are positioned below the deck plate of the air conveyor and are secured to the underside thereof. The lower support members are connected to flanges or other connecting structure of the plenum assembly. The upper support members are channel-shaped structures which attach to corresponding lower support members. A plurality of fasteners attached to the underside of the deck plate pass through slots in the upper support members and holes in the lower support members enabling the entire deck plate support structure to be attached to the underside of the deck plate. The lower support members include a plurality of openings to allow free passage of pressurized air within the plenum assembly to flow unimpeded through louvers positioned thereover.

Abstract: A tipping device includes a plurality of upper rod sections which curve to cause the tipping of the container from the vertical to the horizontal, and a single lower straight rod which does not bend or otherwise follow any curved path with respect to the tipping angle of the container. A plurality of spaced vertical plates are arranged along the length of the device to provide structural support to the rod sections. The vertical plates have an interior section that is cut out to conform to the shape of the cylindrical container passing therethrough. The vertical plates are mounted upon a deck that extends the length of the device. A container enters the device at the upstream end of the device by a conveyer. At the downstream end of the device is another conveyor for discharge of the containers. A plurality of blower jets are positioned along the length of the device which cause air to strike against the containers to provide a downstream force to move them through the tipping device to the downstream end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for, decontaminating in-situ soil by use of solar energy is provided. A targeted area of contaminated in-situ soil is covered with a substantially sunlight-transmitting, nonporous covering that allows solar energy to penetrate said covering. A greenhouse effect subsequently occurs in which trapped solar energy heats the interior air within the covering and in-situ soil below the covering. As the in-situ soil is heated, contaminants found within the in-situ soil are vaporized. The structure comprises first and second side panels with attached first and second end panels. An exhaust vent is provided such that vaporized contaminants and air can escape the interior of the covering. An exhaust means can be utilized to further assist in removal of vaporized contaminants and air within the covering. A fresh air intake slot allows replenishment of air that is exhausted or vented with vaporized contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for enclosing a non-sterile video camera, its trailing cables, and a standard optical connector such as a "C" mount for use of the camera in the sterile environment of an operating room. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first end for attachment to the unsterile optical connector and a second end for attachment to a sterile endoscope. A passageway is formed inside the coupler that extends from the first end to the second end providing an optical pathway whereby an image from the endoscope may be transmitted to the camera. A transparent window is mounted transversely across the passageway between the first and second ends of the coupler which provides a sterile barrier therebetween. A sterile drape is positioned over the first end of the coupler and is secured to a neck portion that joins the first and second ends of the coupler. The sterile drape is secured such that a fluid and airtight seal is formed between the ends of the coupler.

Abstract: A hand-held microfilm reader comprises an elongate body formed by two parts connected together at one end and separated at the other ends to form a slot. A microfilm sheet can be inserted in the slot with a translucent screen being provided to one side of the slot and a magnifying system to the other side of the slot. An electric light bulb is provided behind the translucent screen to illuminate the screen and the sheet and a clamping device is provided for releasably clamping a sheet against the translucent screen when a required portion of the sheet is in the field of view of the magnifying device.A translucent cover may be provided in the part carrying the screen to allow ambient light to the screen to illuminate a microfilm should the electric light system fail.