Abstract: A polyethylene pipeline including a plurality of prefabricated pipes of predetermined diameter fused on one end to respective bell fittings to form prefabricated bell and spigot pipe assemblies. The bell connector includes an enlarged in diameter bell connector formed with a socket having an internal diameter for telescopical receipt of the second end of the adjoining pipe length and includes an increased in diameter interior gland for receipt of a helical heating coil. The heating coil is constructed of an electrical resistant wire coated with an electrical insulative coating which is, in turn, coated with a medium density polyethylene coating. The terminal ends of the wire is coupled with electrical connectors protruding to the outside of the bell connector.

Abstract: A resonant tube having an inlet fitting at one end for connection to the regulator hose attached to an intermediate pressure port on the first stage of a scuba diver's regulator and containing therein a sound generator responsive to pressurized air for generating an audible sound to be propagated against the wall of such tube. The outlet from such tube includes a normally closed air valve which may be selectively depressed to release air from such resonator tube causing incoming air to flow through such generator to generate such audible sound. Frequencies generated are propagated to the surrounding water or air.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved impedance sensing system to measure blood flow and particularly cardiac output which comprise an elongated flexible catheter having two spaced apart sensing electrodes disposed on the surface thereof formed from a conductive fabric such as metallic screen. Preferably, a pair of current transmitting electrodes are also positioned on the catheter each being outside of the pair of sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A sliding door frame and carriage assembly which includes a pair of upper corner connectors to clamp together the upper corners of the frame. Such connectors also serve as upper guides or glides. The assembly also includes a pair of lower corner connectors which clamp together the lower frame corners and mount wheels for rolling support of the door. Each connector fits within adjacent slots in the rails and stiles to hold the connectors securely in position, and simultaneously clamp together the associated rails and stiles. Each connector is characterized by a rail connector spanning section which spans a portion of the outside wall of the associated rail to stabilize the connector in position and, in the case of the lower connectors, better distribute the weight of the door.

Abstract: A parachute harness including a pair of shoulder straps having connected to the upper portion thereof at front and rear spaced apart locations a pair of riser straps which rise upwardly to connect with the canopy shroud lines. The forward and rearward riser straps of the right and left pair are releasably connected together intermediately in close spaced relationship to form at the intermediate location a fulcrum point such that during opening shock the riser straps are connected together at the fulcrum point for swaying of the jumper to and fro generally about such fulcrum point. After deployment of the canopy, the riser straps may be released at the fulcrum point to permit the intermediate portion of the riser to draw apart to assume orientations angling generally upwardly and outwardly from the respective anchor points to thus minimize oscillation of the jumper under the canopy and stabilize the jumper during his descent and while making manuevers and landing.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a floating body comprises applying to the body a vertical force so as to maintain the body in an equilibrium position which is spaced vertically from the normal floating position of the body, in which the vertical force comprises a limited vertical force applying means acting on the body in one vertical direction and a flexible tension member applying tension to the body or the force applying means in the opposite vertical direction, the tension member having a tension less than the said limited vertical force.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire and method for introducing and exchanging catheters in vascular procedures such as coronary angioplasty, angiography, and valvuloplasty. The guidewire has first and second interfitting sections movable between extended and retracted positions relative to each other and means to releasably secure the two sections in the extended position.

Abstract: A protector for use with a conventional padlock having a lock body and a shackle of inverted U-shape characterized by a pair of legs shiftable inwardly of the lock body when the padlock is locked, and shiftable outwardly when the padlock is unlocked. With the shackle fitted to a conventional hasp staple, the protector can be placed in protective position over the staple and the unlocked shackle. Moving the protector in a predetermined direction locks the protector to the shackle legs so that the protector cannot be moved outwardly and removed. When the padlock is locked the lock body moves partially into the protector so that the protector cannot be moved oppositely of the predetermined direction for removal until the padlock is unlocked.

Abstract: A valve handle adaptor formed on one end with a shank configured for complemental telescopical receipt in a pocket formed in a valve handle and formed on its opposite extremity with an adaptor socket. A plurality of extenders, each formed on one end for receipt within such adapator socket and formed on the opposite end with an extender socket capable of receiving the shank of another extender or, in the alternative, a spud. A plurality of spuds are formed with external configurations for complemental receipt in the spud socket, adaptor socket or extender socket. The handle may be mounted directly from a valve stem through such spud, or through the adaptor by inserting the shank in the spud socket and a spud in the adaptor socket for receipt over a broach formed in the end of the valve stem, or through any number of extenders fitted between the adaptor and spud. The kit can therefore adapt a handle to a wide variety of broach sizes and offset distances.

Abstract: An apparatus especially suitable for transferring a particular specimen from a polyacrylamide electrophoresis or like gel onto a support sheet by means of electroblotting is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. This apparatus utilizes a pair of plate-shaped electrode assemblies, each of which in the disclosed embodiment is a multilayered assembly including an electrode layer of electrically conductive material and a layer of thermally conductive material which serves as a heat sink. These electrode assemblies are adjustably supported in spaced-apart but confronting relationship to one another with the gel and support sheet sandwiched therebetween. At the same time, the electrode layers are connected to a source of power for producing an electric field across the gel and support sheet in order to transfer the specimen from the gel to the sheet by means of electroblotting.

Abstract: A regenerative burner includes a chamber containing heat storage bodies which extract heat from hot products of combustion flowing through the burner during one part of a cycle of operation and yield up that heat to incoming air during a further part of the cycle.

Abstract: A means of providing a lash cap for the poppet valve of an internal combustion engine. The lash cap is positively retained on the distal end of the valve stem by retaining an annular projection on the lash cap within a mating cavity in otherwise conventional valve keepers. Alternatively, the lash cap is retained by a projection on the interior of the valve keeper which mates with a cavity in the lash cap.

Abstract: The storage apparatus is adapted for use with a truck bed, and includes a front panel and a top panel hinged together, with the bottom of the front panel hinged to the floor of the truck bed. The rear of the top panel latches with the rear tailgate of the truck, and rests upon tracks on the sidewalls of the truck bed. The top panel is dimensioned to fit snuggly within the tracks and preferably has adjustable brackets on the sides of the top plate panel to allow for fine adjustment of the fitting of the top panel with the tracks. Retaining brackets are also provided on the adjustable brackets of the top panel to fit around bolts securing the track to the sidewalls of the truck bed, to prevent the top panel from being lifted upwardly in either a closed or an intermediate open position. The front panel also has bent leg portions providing a recess into which the top panel may be folded, so that the top and front panels may be collapsed to lie flat upon the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: A method of controlling the vertical position of a body in water, where the body has or is given a positive buoyancy, providing a structure which is of sufficient weight to give the body negative buoyancy, providing a structure which is separate from the body and from which to support the load over the body, and providing a device for lowering the load into engagement with the body.

Abstract: An extendable guidewire system for introducing a dilatation catheter into the cardiovascular system. The guidewire has guidewire and extension sections with a connection therebetween which permits the two sections to be joined together and separated simply by pushing the two sections together and pulling them apart. One of the sections can be used for positioning the catheter within the cardiovascular system, and the other section can be employed to extend the wire to change catheters.

Abstract: A plastic decanter and method of use having inward sloping side walls and a broad base construction which interfits with a concave-shaped warmer plate mounted in the warming deck of a conventional coffee brewing machine, the decanter receiving freshly brewed coffee from a brewing assembly with the decanter containing over half of the coffee mass below the horizontal midpoint permitting a reduction in the required heat to be generated by the warmer plate heating element for avoiding burning the coffee, while the sloping sidewalls, a closure lid and the tight interfit between the decanter and the warmer plate contribute to a reduction in the air convection heat losses for maintaining the coffee fresh for at least four hours, the plastic decanter being relatively unbreakable for eliminating a potential hazard while being utilized as a lightweight serving container.