Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use with teletypewriter consoles in teleprinter communication networks for providing transmission time information during message preparation; namely, the number of whole minutes of message time plus either the number of characters remaining to the next full minute, or tenths of minutes of additional message time used. Such information enables the user to anticipate and thus optimize message time for which he is charged in a rounding-up charge procedure commonly used in such teleprinter communication networks. A preferred embodiment consists of a microprocessor-based computer for converting each character on a perforated tape to a sub-unit of time corresponding to the appropriate transmission rate of either TELEX or TWX network services.

Abstract: An improved roller skate braking apparatus for applying frictional braking action to the rear wheels of modern roller skates. Insertable brake linings are held in a brakeshoe that is forced against the rear surface of the rear roller skate wheels by means of fulcrum action when the roller skater applies rearward pressure against an elongated C-shaped applicator that is adjacent to the lower portion of the skater's calf area and that is connected to the remaining brake mechanism by a lever. Upon release of the rearward force by the roller skater on the braking applicator when braking is no longer desired, springs, compressed during braking, extend back to their nominal length forcing the brake shoe and linings away from the rear wheels to automatically terminate the braking action.

Abstract: A calculator-type educational device for teaching arithmetic which provides features to motivate a student to greater learning progress including means for reporting the student's arithmetic proficiency by means of post-test statistics that are displayed after completion of a problem set. A dual mode of operation is provided, namely, a first mode in which a selected number of problems is presented for a student to solve at his own pace without any specified time limit and a second mode in which the student is presented problems in a specified period of time, the number of problems being determined solely by how rapidly the student can offer a proposed solution to each such problem.An additional unique feature of the present invention is the availability of numerical limits and factor multiples to which the problem parameters are related.The disclosed embodiment incorporates a microprocessor-based programmed computer in a desk-type calculator configuration.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly (52) for rigidly securing the shaft (18) of a vertical pump (10) to the co-linearly spaced shaft (24) of a pump driver (22). A novel design provides a reduced uniform maximum diameter and obviates shaft threading and registration fits. The resulting assembly is, therefore, easier and less costly to fabricate accurately wherein pump shaft runout at the stuffing box face is no greater than 0.002 inches T.I.R. The coupling assembly of the present invention comprises a pair of cylindrical rigid hubs (54, 56) which may be secured to the pump and driver shafts (18, 24), respectively, by means of split rings (76, 78, 80, 82) for vertical thrust bearing; and an optional split spacer (64, 66) positioned between the hubs. Split shims (58) are employed above the pump-shaft rigid hub (54) to provide vertical position adjustment of the pump shaft (18) relative to the driver shaft (24).

Abstract: A compact and inexpensive air catheter having particular application as an improved male incontinence device. The catheter herein disclosed includes a relatively thick outer tubular sheathing and a collapsible, relatively thin inner tubular sheathing. Inner and outer sheathings are concentrically arranged relative to one another. The region of the catheter between the inner and outer sheathings forms an annular air chamber, which chamber is adapted to be inflated, under pressure, in order to collapse the inner sheathing around a user's organ, whereby an efficient air and liquid-tight seal is formed therewith, regardless of the shape or size of the organ. The region of the catheter that is defined by the interior of the inner sheathing forms an axially extending urine drain passage for the purpose of conveying the user's urine to an external urine collection means.

Abstract: Optical sensor apparatus and associated means by which to color multiplex optically encoded information signals over a compact fiber optic transmission system. The sensor apparatus includes a movable coded masking means. The masking means is fabricated with a plurality of parallel rows, each of which rows comprising a binary weighted pattern of alternately spaced transparent and opaque areas. Incident white light is spectrally dispersed, so that each of the rows of the masking means receives a respective color. As the masking means is moved in response to an input physical parameter that is to be sensed, the corresponding binary coded output color signals that are transmitted through the transparent areas of the masking means are recombined and multiplexed over either a singel optical fiber or a bundle of incoherent optical fibers.

Abstract: A non-destructive bond testing apparatus utilizes impedance variation represented by both the phase and amplitude of the signal vector response of a sonic energy generating and receiving probe, which is applied to a laminar, honeycomb or fiber composite structure under test. Typical bonding methods for which this bondtester and method are applicable include adhesive bonding, diffusion bonding, brazing, resistance and impact/friction bonding. A cathode ray tube displays the tip of the vector (as a bright dot) which represents the impedance characteristic affected by the structure under test.

Abstract: A temperature sensor comprising an optical transducer member having an array of birefringent crystals. The length and, accordingly, the sensitivity to temperature change of successive birefringent crystals varies according to a particular relationship. The transducer is interconnected with a fiber optic transmission and detecting system. Respective optical output signals that are transmitted from the birefringent crystals via the fiber optic transmission system are detected and decoded so as to correspond to digits of a numbering system, whereby an accurate digital representation of temperature can ultimately be provided.

Abstract: In order to monitor the movements of a patient who is confined to a bed and to alert supervisory personnel in the event that the patient attempts an unauthorized departure therefrom, an array of radiant energy emitters and a corresponding array of radiant energy detectors are installed in the headboard and in the footboard of the bed. In one embodiment, emitters supply infrared energy to the detectors so as to cover the bed with a blanket of invisible light. When the transmission of infrared energy is interrupted for a predetermined time by an overactive patient, both local and remote warning signals are generated to immediately alert the supervisory personnel to the possibility of impending patient injury.

Abstract: A solar collector cell formed as an integral portion of a roof flashing is disclosed as comprising a flashing base having a dihedral surface including a larger base portion and a smaller ramp portion, and a solar collector cell container built integrally with the base portion of the flashing. The combination is designed to be installed in the roof of a dwelling or other building structure. The container portion of the flashing is substantially shorter in height above the roof line than conventional solar collector cell structures added to a roof subsequent to its construction. As a result, the invention gives the building constructor or owner, the option of either including the solar cell components at the time of construction of the roof to provide a solar heating device, or to fill the solar collector cell container with a temporary support structure, such as roof shakes or tiles.

Abstract: A hand tool adapted to remove a pintle from a door hinge and comprising a curved hollow guide or shield within which is fixed a push rod adapted to force the pintle out of a door hinge when the tool is layed against the door hinge pintle and struck with a hammer. A removal wedge, fixed to the outside surface of the guide, provides a striking surface for removal of the tool in the event of a jam.

Abstract: A dispenser reel and container are integrated into a unitary foldable structure which when folded into an assembled configuration, is suitable for the shipping and dispensing of a spool of wire, cable, and the like, that may be wound on a spindle or other hollow cylindrical core device. In one embodiment, the invention is fabricated out of flat corrugated paperboard that is easily cut to appropriate dimensions and provided with fold creases or score lines that make it readily foldable around the packaged spool of cable or the like. In said one embodiment, the cut corrugated paperboard comprises two interconnected substantially rectangular portions and two interconnected substantially circular portions, each circular portion having partially cut fold-out wing portions. The substantially rectangular portions, which form two of the walls of the container, have margin portions along their perimeters which form the remaining four walls of the container when they are folded into place.

Abstract: A motor is provided of the piston or diaphragm type in which vacuum is constantly applied to one side of a piston or the like and air under pressure is constantly applied to the opposite side to drive the piston through a stroke. The vacuum and pressurized air may be obtained from sources outside the motor. A valve mechanism driven by the motor reverses the application of vacuum and air pressure when the piston reaches each end of its stroke so that power is continuously applied to both sides of the piston during both forward and reverse movement thereof. Different pistons are arranged out of phase with one another to provide a smooth flow of mechanical power. In one version, the motor drives an air pump having a vacuum inlet and an air pressure outlet, and by connecting such inlet and outlet to the valve mechanism, the motor will drive a load as well as itself. In another version, the motor has an internal combustion apparatus incorporated therewith.

Abstract: A sun-shield comprising a canopy assembly adaptable for connection to each of a variety of back-pack frames, said frames being supported on a back-packer's back, waist and shoulders. Said assembly having a canopy support frame including vertical support rods, back-pack frame adaptors, right angle members, and a coupling for interconnecting the frame adaptors and right angle members comprising the lower portion of the sun-shield to the canopy assembly comprising the upper portion of the sun-shield. Opaque canopy means, attached to the canopy support frame, prevents the transmission of light through the canopy. Foldable flap members are attached to the canopy means along the edge thereof. The canopy means is positioned to be horizontal, above and displaced from the back-packer's head for blocking out sunlight incident thereon. Said canopy support frame is easily removable from said coupling for separate storing.