Abstract: A method and apparatus for the inspection of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic pipes, tubes or other cylindrical shell structures utilizing the magnetostrictive effect to detect defects such as corrosion pits, wall thinning, and cracks within the structure under evaluation. The apparatus and method constitute an active testing application, wherein 1) a transmitting coil element generates a mechanical pulse within a cylindrical shell structure through the magnetostrictive effect and a second coil detects reflected mechanical waves within the pipe, this by the inverse magnetostrictive effect, or 2) a single sensor functions as both transmitter and detector. The present invention also anticipates a passive monitoring application with a detection coil that continuously monitors ferromagnetic or non-ferromagnetic tubes, pipes, etc.

Abstract: An electronic hand holdable measuring device for measuring dimension of an article by rolling the device across surface of the article includes a housing 10 and a roller sub-assembly 11. When the roller is worn it can be readily replaced together with an associated raster disc 23 forming part of the sub-assembly. An optical reader is permanently mounted inside the housing.

Abstract: A game method of play combining the skill elements of bowling with the chance elements of bingo and lottery. The game method of play includes the steps of randomly arranging and displaying a set of numbers in an order in which the numbers are to be picked for the purposes of separately identifying a lottery-type arrangement or a bingo-type arrangement. The game play further involves a number of bowlers participating in a sequence of bowling flames such that the scores in the bowling flames are compared with the randomly arranged numbers previously displayed. As the randomly arranged numbers are sequentially stepped through in the comparison process, orderly patterns of matched scores and numbers are detected and identified as winning arrangements when acquired. Various sets of specific numbers, such as in a lottery game, or various orderly patterns such as those typically found in bingo, may be utilized to identify the winner of a particular game.

Abstract: A solar thermal water heating system including a solar collector unit, first and second heat exchangers, and a drain back tank, ordered respectively in vertically descending relation. The solar energy collector comprises a plurality of heat absorbing modules formed by deforming two plates into intimate contact with parallel metallic pipes disposed intermediate the plates. The uppermost surface of the pair of plates is provided with a black body coating to emit infrared radiation when sunlight is incident thereon. A glazing is provided over such black body surface to freely transmit incident light to the black body surface but to reflect infrared heat energy emitted by the black body surface. A pump for pumping fluid from the drain back tank to the solar collector unit is positioned horizontally adjacent the drain back tank. The first heat exchanger is vertically disposed within the water storage tank for conducting heat to potable water within the storage tank.

Abstract: A horse pick for cleaning foreign matter from the hoof of a horse, the pick having an elongated shank with a wedge-shaped tip, typically forming an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the shank. On the end of the shank opposite the tip is fastened a handle.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprises a natural rubber modified with a graft-polymerised methylmethacrylate polymer such as a graft-polymerised methlmethacrylate, an acrylic polymer, an acrylonitrile synthetic rubber and optionally, minor ingredients. The minor ingredients may be a quaternary ammonium surfactant and a polysiloxane. The composition is applied to an article such as of natural and/or synthetic rubber to effect coating. The process is especially suited to coating of medical gloves.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a housing with walls, a lever rod with a spring attached to one end, a movable fulcrum and a second end for attaching a device to couple the second end with the hand or arm of the user. Movement of the hand or arm will be transmitted through the movable fulcrum to the spring to provide resistance against which to exercise.

Abstract: A disposable fuel burner 10 is disclosed which comprises a container 11 having a closed bottom wall 12, an enclosing sidewall 13 and an open top 14, and at least partially filled with a liquid fuel 15. A support member 16 is supported adjacent the open top 14 above the fuel 15, and having a centrally located opening 17 of various diameters for receiving one end of an elongated wick 18 of a fibrous material. The support member 16 may be a cardboard or plastic disk supported on legs 21a, a cylinder 21, or may be a cup-shaped member 30. A first layer of fibrous material 22 substantially fills the open top 14 and overlies the support member and the end of the wick supported thereon and acts as an interface between the fuel 15 and the atmosphere. A second layer of a plastic 23, e.g., polyurethane, foam material overlies the first layer. A top cover 27 is secured on the container 11 closing the open top 14 and is at least partially removable, e.g.

Abstract: A hand-held polisher which comprises a body, an electric motor with a motor shaft held inside the body for driving a polishing implement mounted on the body, and a switch on the body for controlling the operation of the motor. The body has a first part for accommodating a battery cell for electrical connection to the motor under the control of the switch and a second part accommodating the motor. The second body part has a front opening through which the polishing implement is insertable into the body for mounting thereon. A stationary bearing is located in the first body part behind the front opening, in a co-axial position relative thereto, for supporting the polishing implement.

Abstract: A carrying case that is comprised of a member made up of a multiplicity of rectangular sections. The sections are connected along adjacent edges by hinges, allowing the member to be folded from a flat position to a folded position, the folded position defining the rectangular or quadrilateral shaped carrying case. The inner surfaces of some of the sections of the member have individual pocket-shaped storage compartments.

Abstract: This invention relates to a festoon lamp holder, and to a lighting system incorporating such a lamp holder. The lamp holder comprises a molded cap and base, and forms a pressure-tight seal with the supply cable, and a water-tight seal with a removably attached globe. Between the cap and base, lugs with detents engage within a groove, and through a camming action on a tapered post, engage permanently with a retaining means, thereby locking the detents within the groove. Probes between the cap and base pierce the cable, which may be used to support the lamp holder in a festoon lighting system. The lamp may be a low voltage halogen lamp and may also be formed as a festoon bulb held perpendicular to the lamp holder by hooked wires.

Abstract: An improved golf club head wherein 70%-97% of the total head weight is within 3/4"-1" of the heel and toe ends of the head. The golf club head is provided with an echo chamber for improving audible feedback to the golfer. Upper and lower overhangs extending from the echo chamber enhance the feedback. The golf club head is further provided with a variation of offset hosels and improved alignment indices. The structural arrangement of the dense metal end blocks allows for the adjustment of the club swing weight without disassembly and reassembly of the club head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for treating fabric or garments and a method for using the composition to treat the garments. The composition contains an oxidizer mixed with a gel or a thickening agent to form a liquid/solid colloidal suspension. The composition is inserted into a tumbler with garments and, typically, spreaders, such as short lengths of PVC pipe. Tumbling the composition with the spreaders allows the composition to be spread randomly over the garments to give them a faded or worn look.

Abstract: A combination of a relatively rigid retaining clip and a squeezable product dispensing tube, the tube having a base and side walls forming a chamber for containing a flattened and folded portion of the tube, at least the side walls having radiused or chamfered edges and slick surfaces and exaggerated flared wall portions forming deflectionary side entrances, whereby the elastomeric side walls of the tube may be slidably removed from and replaced in the clip multiple times without damage to the tube as the side walls are flattened and folded into increasingly larger folds. A gap between the top ends of the clip are sized to restrict, but not fully seal, the rearward flow of product in the tube when dispensing pressure is applied thereby causing the product to be urged forward and out the tube dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A method and a device for joining luminal structures. The device is comprised of a bridge, typically cylindrical, having an interior dimension to receive two sets of curved needles and having a series of holes or channels at each end for passage of the needles through the body of the bridge. A plunger, typically activated by an elongated member, urges the needles, point first, through the channels. When the ends of the bridge are inserted into the luminal structures to be joined and the plunger is activated, the needles will move through the channels and through the luminal structure to be joined, allowing the surgeon to grasp the pointed ends of the needles and pull them through the channels and through the luminal structure. On the second ends of the needles are sutures which will ultimately be used to join the two luminal structures.

Abstract: A device for enhancing lucidity in the dream state of an individual. The device includes electronic circuitry incorporated into a headband for the user to wear while sleeping. The circuitry includes a detector for fitting adjacent to the eye of the sleeping individual, for detecting Rapid Eye Movement (REM), which occurs during the dream state. The detector emits a signal that is evaluated by additional circuitry to determine whether or not REM sleep is occurring. If REM sleep is occurring, a signal is generated to operate a recorded, which typically plays prerecorded messages through the headphones engaging the ear of the sleeping individual.

Abstract: A wheelchair support system fully adjustable to fit different-sized patients and attachable to the frame of a wheelchair. The support system includes a generally rectangular molded seat, a molded back shell and brackets for attaching to the frame of the wheelchair, the brackets being capable of adjustably positioning the back and seat to an individual patient's requirements, as well as capable of moving the system from one wheelchair to another without losing these adjustments.