Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine the viscosity of a fluid. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a probe are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that the receiver and probe move in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate near the resonant frequency for the receiver/probe. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and immersing the probe first in a fluid of known high viscosity, and then in a fluid of known low viscosity, calibrated outputs are obtained from the piezoelectric receiver. Next by exchanging a fluid of unknown viscosity for the known fluids, a third output is obtained that represents the unknown viscosity.

Abstract: A closed loop feedback-controlled air supply system for air support convalescent beds having groups of air sacs for supporting various body sections of a patient. The air supply system may be self-contained with its own air supply compressor or it may utilize any other source of compressed air. The air supply is coupled with a distributor manifold from which extends a plurality of air supply lines extending to selected groups of air sacs. Servo valves controlling each of the air supply lines are automatically positioned and controlled by signals from a microprocessor, the microprocessor receiving pressure feedback monitoring signals from pressure transducers associated with each of the groups of air sacs. Between the air supply and the manifold may be provided a master control valve which may be a servo valve also activated and controlled by the microprocessor responsive to feedback signals.

Abstract: A telephone display which can be programmed from a remote site. A standard pay telephone is equipped with a modem, processor, and memory storage devices whereby it can receive a character string transmitted over telephone lines from a remote programming site. The processor displays messages embedded in the character string on a display panel attached to the telephone booth, and optionally on an interior display panel removed from the telephone booth. The character string has format controls for displaying the messages, and may also have clock commands for displaying certain messages at certain times of the day. A priority message is flashed on the display panel whenever the telephone handset is removed from its cradle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a floating bait bucket and more particularly includes a surrounding ring formed of a foamed plastic material of closed cell construction providing buoyancy. The ring encircles a central deck. The deck supports a rectangular compartment lined with foamed plastic material which serves as a insulated storage chamber. It has a hinged lid which fastens with a latch. On top of that, another storage compartment is provided to receive fishing tackle. On top of that, a hinged lid closes over the fishing tackle to assure that the fishing tackle is secured therein. The device also supports a bait bucket having a lid and perforated sides to contain bait therein with water flow to assure that the bait is kept alive.

Abstract: Customer telephone line test apparatus enabling a customer having multiple internal telephone lines to determine if telephone line problems are in service company lines or in customer lines. The test apparatus includes a multi-line, customer test type network interface module having telephone circuit test receptacles that are electrically coupled with respective telephone service lines. Telephone jacks for each customer service line and are normally assembled with respective telephone circuit receptacles to complete the telephone circuits with the telephone service supplier. For test purposes, the customer will disassemble a telephone jack from its receptacle and simply insert the modular jack of the telephone in its place. If a clear dial tone is received and the difficulty is eliminated, then the customer is assured that the telephone trouble is in the customer line and not in the service company line.

Abstract: Apparatus for climbing trees, poles and other like objects includes a main frame having a hydraulically driven telescoping mast disposed in telescoping relation therewith. Upper and lower hydraulically energized gripping apparatus is provided respectively on said hydraulically driven telescoping mast and main frame and include gripping arms for establishing gripping relation with said object. The apparatus includes power and control circuitry for inducing telescoping movement to the hydraulically driven telescoping mast, actuation of the upper and lower gripping apparatus and for operating various winches that enable the apparatus to lift objects relative to the apparatus. The upper and lower gripping apparatus incorporates pressure energized safety lock-out apparatus that insures that at least one of the upper or lower gripping apparatus remains in gripping relation with the object to prevent falling of the apparatus.

Abstract: A modular back pack is disclosed comprising four components which are detachably connected for use individually or in various combinations. The components of the back pack distribute the load about the hip area of the user to lower the user's center of gravity and thereby enhance his stability for hiking, climbing, or other outdoor activities.

Abstract: An improved lipectomy device, or cannula, is disclosed having inner and outer tubes. The outer tube has an elongated aspiration aperture, and the inner tube has a spiral slot. A mechanism inside the handle of the device causes the inner tube to rotate, creating a traveling hole effect along the aspiration aperture. This obviates the necessity of the surgeon repeatedly pushing the cannula in and out. A valve system is also disclosed which allows the surgeon to maintain negative pressure in the vacuum line leading to the cannula while still allowing the cannula itself to be vented to ambient pressures.

Abstract: This invention discloses improved heterogeneous acid catalysts and a method for preparing these catalysts. A heterogeneous acid catalyst has been prepared by coating a carrier with an aqueous emulsion containing a fluorocarbonsulfonic acid polymer in the sulfonyl fluoride form, removing the excess water, heating to a temperature above the softening point of the polymer for a time, and then converting the polymer to the active sulfonic acid form. The substrate has pores of about 0.1 micrometers or greater and a surface area of about 20 m.sup.2 /g or less.

Abstract: A device for testing performance of telephone headsets. The device performs reception, transmission, reception distortion, transmission distortion, reception limiting, and current consumption testing, as well as allowing these same tests with reverse polarity. The complete headset may be tested, or just the bottom or top units may be tested, as well as auxiliary power packs. The tester is designed to be used with any conventional headset, regardless of variations in the specifications, such as power supply. The tester may be programmed for an automatic testing mode.

Abstract: A product and method of manufacture are set forth. The product is used in desulfurizing steel. Magnesium is in its molten state, and with vigorous stirring, a reactant, such as CaC.sub.2 is added. A relatively brittle material is obtained upon cooling which can be ground to a particulate form and used in steel desulfurization. The composite is both a mixture of magnesium and reactant, such as CaC.sub.2, and also includes Mg.sub.2 Ca alloy.

Abstract: A collapsible shipping container having a base structure provided with upstanding wall catches capable of being received in structurally interfitting relation within respective pockets defined within side walls thereof. A cover structure is provided with depending wall catches which are received within respective upwardly directed pockets of the side walls, thus securing the base structure to the side walls and the cover to the side walls. The cover structure is also provided with shipping catches which are received within shipping catch slots or openings defined within the base structure in the collapsed condition of the shipping container. In this condition the walls are stacked on the base structure and are restrained by the shipping catches and wall catches to secure the walls within the collapsed shipping container for shipping and handling in the collapsed condition thereof.

Abstract: The present apparatus in the preferred and illustrated embodiment comprises first and second rings which are respectively affixed to the mouthpiece and mouth pipe. As force is increased by the musician in holding the mouthpiece against his lips, such force is measured by cooperative measuring means fixed to said first and second means. In the preferred embodiment, the force measuring means includes an aligned pin on one of said means positioned relative to a transducer coil to thereby provide an indication of force. The signal indicative of force is delivered to a time based recorder and is recorded as a function of time along with additional data including sound intensity levels and frequency of the music to provide correlation between force, intensity and frequency as a function of time. A method is also taught including the recording of such data to teach the musician to reduce the force applied against his lips.

Abstract: A back pressure regulator system is set forth. In the preferred embodiment, a pressure to be regulated is input to a pressure transducer. The transducer forms a signal indicative of pressure applied through a regulator system which forms an output driving differential signal suitable for a motor. An electric motor is driven thereby and operates a gear box which in turn connects through a slip clutch and a linear motion clutch to advance or retract a needle valve stem. The stem is threadedly engaged with the body. It rotates to advance or retract a needle valve in a valve seat, and a connection is made from the pressure to be regulated through the needle valve to thereby control back presssure on the system.

Abstract: In a building system, extruded plastic panel components are joined together to form a building structure. External and internal connectors adhesively join the panel components together to form a completed structure. The panel components are internally ribbed and may be partially or fully insulated. Internal conduits in the panel components provide passageways for electrical wiring, plumbing and other required utilities.

Abstract: A buried vault for telecommunication equipment is disclosed. It is adapted to connect with telecommunication conduits, especially optical fiber conduits enclosing optical fibers. The vault encloses laser light generating devices for providing signals and also encloses suitable signal switch gear for telecommunication circuitry. The wall is constructed of alternating plies of glass fibers matting and woven roving, each layer being applied and joined with a polymeric resin. It is then covered with a light weight layer, the preferred form being balsa wood and the outside surface is then sprayed with a skin, typically a polyester resin co-mingled with chopped reinforcing fibers of random lengths randomly distributed or glass fibers matting and woven roving plies.

Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit is also disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.