Abstract: An opto-electronic, threaded parts inspection device. The device includes a source for generating a thin, planar beam of collimated light which is disposed on one side of a parts carrier. The laser light beam is rotatable about two axes, normal to one another and both normal to the longitudinal axis of parts passing through the beam. A sensor unit is disposed on the other side of the parts carrier so that the light beam falls thereupon. The threaded parts inspection device can be adjusted to pass light over different features of the threaded parts as they are moved past the inspection device by the parts carrier. By measuring how much of the light is interrupted by the profile of the passing threaded parts, it is possible to detect deviations in the pitch angle and major and minor diameters of the threaded workpieces.

Abstract: A fastener for securing elongated objects in a centered and spaced apart arrangement includes a base and a bracket attached along one edge of the base and extending in an overhead manner above the base. The bracket includes a first overarm spring and a second inwardly extending leaf spring which are separated by a beveled entry nose portion proximate a front end of the base. An objected is press fitted between the nose portion and the base so as to be resiliently engaged by a finger portion of the leaf spring. A pair of protrusions extend from the finger portion in a direction facing the base and act upon the object or objects inserted to both center and space apart in a parallel fashion the objects.

Abstract: A tube making machine in which flat sheets of material are bent to conform with the outside surface of a cylindrical mandrel defining the interior of the tube, with bending taking place in a loop of a belt which contains the mandrel so that the material to be bend is radially compressed by the belt over a major surface of the mandrel beginning at a first line of contact where the belt first comes in contact with the mandrel and extending circumferentially to a second line of contact where the belt leaves the mandrel as the material reaches the second line of contact it is guided and maintained in contact with the mandrel until it reaches the first line of contact and reenters the space between the belt and the mandrel. The belt loop and the guide surface forms a continuous path over the entire circumference of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the condition of a fluid used in a process, such as a lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine. A sample of the fluid is heated to an elevated temperature, a measurement is taken of an electrical characteristic of the fluid at that first temperature, the fluid is heated still further, and the aforesaid electrical characteristic is measured again. The two measured values of the electrical characteristic are used to calculate a quality parameter which, when compared with quality parameter values corresponding to fluid samples of varying condition, gives an estimate of the relative condition of the fluid sample under test. The test procedure also includes a measurement of the opacity of the fluid sample to visible light, with this measurement being used in conjunction with the calculated quality parameter to more accurately determine the relative condition of the fluid under test.

Abstract: A hospital type of bandage integrates an absorbent pad and non-stick layer with a fluid-impermeable outer layer and an adhesive in a single composite structure. In a preferred embodiment the invention further includes means which may be used to turn the bandage inside out upon removal, so that surfaces once contacting a patient are no longer externally exposed. A bandage according to the invertible embodiment preferably includes a pocket formed on the side of the bandage facing away from the patient after application, this pocket being large enough to accommodate at least a portion of a human hand, and inside this pocket and located opposite the entrance is a means for grasping which may be pulled outwardly through pocket opening, thereby inverting the entire structure. Various forms of devices for grasping are possible as alternatives, including a string, a tab and a tab with one or more finger-receiving holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting skiing equipment comprises a frame, including a clip for holding a pair of skis, pockets for holding a pair of ski boots relative to the skis, and a skid pad; the frame being adapted for location at one end of the pair of skis.

Abstract: A method of severing a thin film semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a first electrode region formed thereon, a semiconductor body formed of layers of thin film semiconductor alloy material disposed upon the base electrode, a transparent, electrically conductive second electrode deposited atop the semiconductor body, and a containment layer of polymeric material associated with the first or second electrode in at least one region to permit subsequent severing of the device into a plurality of devices through said containment layer region.

Abstract: An implantable device for selectively opening and closing a tubular organ of the body such as the urethra has an elongate valve body which can be introduced into the tubular organ. The valve body has a shut-off means which can be selectively closed and opened, for which purpose the valve body has an elastic hose portion in which there is disposed an inflation body which can be inflated by a fluid to then close the lumen of the hose portion. The fluid can be conveyed out of the inflation body into a storage container by actuation of an implantable pump so the inflation body collapses and permits a flow through the valve body. Manual actuation of a non-return valve in the pump causes fluid to flow out of the storage container into the inflation body to inflate same and close the valve body.

Abstract: A flat plate type heat exchanger or evaporator is disclosed for use in automobile air conditioning systems. The heat exchanger includes a set of stacked plate pairs having refrigerant fluid passageways extending laterally between the plates of each plate pair while the spaces between the plate pairs define air flow passageways having fins located therein. In one aspect, fluid inlet and outlet passages are formed when differently sized tubes in adjacent plate pairs are telescoped together and subsequently brazed together to form a high surface area, fluid tight joint. The resulting fluid tight joint formed between tubes in adjacent plate pairs exhibits greater rupture resistance than that formed with drawn cup assemblies currently in use. These refrigerant fluid inlet and outlet passageways are spaced inwardly from the edges of the evaporator and extend transversely through the stack, the inlet and outlet passages being in communication with the fluid passageways.

Abstract: An inflatable/deflatable cushion system adapted for installation onto a motorcycle seat may be operated either manually or electrically operated. In the latter case, an electrically operated air compressor is supported on the motorcycle and connected in a pneumatic path to an air port on the cushion. An electrical switch in electrical communication with a source of electrical power on the vehicle includes a first position activating the air compressor, causing the cushion to inflate, and a second position causing the cushion to deflate. In the preferred embodiment the cushion is generally U-shaped and attached to the motorcycle seat such that the rounded section of the U is most rearward on the seat with the ends of the U pointing forwardly.

Abstract: A dispensing machine is particularly intended for dispensing semi-solid products such as ice cream or frozen yogurt. The machine utilizes a container for the product which container is open at one end and is deformed to discharge the product by the application of a plunger to the opposite end. A sealing plate is releasably located in the open end of the container and the plate includes a discharge outlet for the product which leads to a discharge nozzle. The plunger is driven by a piston and cylinder device and the container, the plate and its housing is movable in and out to replace the container.

Abstract: A battery recharging apparatus is specifically configured to enable a customer to exchange a discharged or partially discharged battery for a fully charged replacement. Operator-assisted and entirely automatic vending versions are disclosed. In all embodiments, a controller causes a multiple port charger to recharge one or more batteries electrically connected thereto, preferably using a time multiplexing scheme. In the operator-assisted embodiment, an attendant inputs information concerning the customer, the vehicle, or the battery, and accounting-related functions are carried out through an interface to an electric cash register or some other payment-related facility. In the automated alternative of the invention, the apparatus is entirely self-contained within an enclosure including an access panel or window through which a user may deposit a battery in turn for a fully charged unit. Alternatively, the user may simply purchase a new, fully charged battery or battery pack.

Abstract: The torsional flexible connection has two coaxial flanges or discs equipped with sets of equidistant radially or axially protruding blades which are interdigitated to form a plurality of wedge-shaped chambers whose sides intersect at the axis of the connection, all or some of which receive torque-transmitting flexible inserts which transmit force and rotation to one of the flanges/discs in response to the force and rotation transmitted from the other flange/disc or vice versa. Each insert is comprised of two or several elements of a streamlined shape placed at different distances from the axis, so that the dimensions of these elements in the direction of transmitted payload are proportional to their distances from the axis.

Abstract: A threaded closure is provided for engaging a threaded container neck. The closure has a dual sealing plug which provides a primary continuous rotary seal and a secondary self centering seal with the inside surface of the container neck.

Abstract: A device for controlling reflections off of and information-bearing surface is especially suitable for use in conjunction with shiny, curved surfaces containing machine-readable markings. The device includes a chamber having an interior wall and entrance and exit apertures, the entrance aperture being associated with receiving an image of the surface, and the exit aperture being associated with delivering the image of the surface to image sensing means. As the delivered image of the surface may potentially include reflections of the interior wall and exit aperture, means are provided for equalizing these reflections to minimize problems associated with sensing the image of the surface and decoding any information present.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a tactile virtual reality to a user is present. The position and orientation of the user is utilized to generate a virtual reality force field. Forces are in turn generated on the user as a function of this force field. A six-axis manipulator is presented for providing a user interface to such a system. This manipulator provides a unique kinematic structure with two constant force springs which provide gravity compensation so that the manipulator effectively floats.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic travel system includes a fillable module, the shape of which approximates the upper shoulder area of a human torso, enabling a coat or like garment to be carried over and along with the module so as to minimize wrinkling of the garment. In the preferred embodiment this module is multi-compartmentalized, and includes a bottom portion with a pair of spaced-apart hooks which extend downwardly therefrom, the hooks being adapted to releasably grasp the bottom member of a clothes hanger to carry a garment secured thereto. The module also includes a back surface from which there extends downwardly a flexible, compartmentalized panel such that even when the module and panel with overdraping garment(s) are covered with an outer bag, the entire system may be folded in half lengthwise and secured in that state for compact transport while continuing to minimize wrinkling of the garment(s).

Abstract: A device to be used in connection with revascularization, especially of the coronary arteries, makes it possible for conventional techniques such as angioplasty or atherectomy to be employed in totally or severely occluded blood vessels deemed otherwise impassable by a guide wire. A guide wire passage is created by providing a catheter with a retractable cutting head or laser source that penetrates the atheromatic material in a blood vessel. The device is centered and stabilized in the vessel by a circumferential balloon so that the passage through the atheromatic material is in the desired direction. The circumferential balloon also prevents blood flow in the event of a break in the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: A package-retaining accessory for the cargo area of vehicle includes a package-retaining closure that is attachable to a wall or a divider of the cargo area. The accessory is comprised of a collapsible fabric material or a rigid material. The top portion in the fabric embodiment is supported in an upright position either by a pair of extension lines or by a plurality of brackets. The brackets may be fixedly attached to the wall or may be pivotably attached so that the bracket may be moved from an extended, closure supporting position to a folded position where the closure is relaxed. A retractable, foldable top is provided with fasteners to tie it in either an open position or a closed position.

Abstract: A mold process for producing a finished solid surfaced countertop in which a mold of the product to be produced is placed in a substantially horizontal manner. A series of barriers are constructed atop a flat polished surface of the mold and creates a negative shape of the countertop product to be produced. A release wax surface is applied over the exposed edges of the mold and is followed by the spraying a predetermined layer of a high-quality resin surface coating. The coating is allowed to gel to a point at which a plasticized substrate material is poured into the mold and over the resin surface coating. A catalyst is added to the substrate material prior to pouring and elevates the temperature of the substrate and the surface coating during the hardening and curing process. The surface coating bonds to the substrate and cures without the development of pinholes or other imperfections in the surface coating.