Abstract: A system utilizing a series of three mirrors for purposes of collecting, concentrating, collimating and distributing radiant flux, such as sunlight or moonlight. The system generally includes a first parabolic reflector having a hole formed centrally therethrough, a second parabolic reflector slightly smaller in diameter than the hole formed through the first reflector and attached in spaced relation thereto, such that the two reflectors share a common optical axis, and a third, planar reflector. A structural framework supports the three reflectors and includes a light pipe, or other light distributing channel, through which the collected light is sent. First and second motors actuate gear assemblies attached to the framework to cause the reflectors to track both the elevation and azimuth angles, respectively, of the sun and/or moon.

Abstract: A device for protecting a carpet and underlying pad from an article of furniture. In one embodiment, the device comprises an mounting portion having an upper cavity and a bottom surface. The upper cavity is enclosed by a plurality of walls and has a substantially planar floor surface. The bottom surface is substantially planar. The device further comprises a plurality of support members engaged with and extending from the bottom surface. Each of the support members comprise a conical shaped portion, a leg portion and a terminal portion. The conical shaped portion comprises first and second ends which define an overall length L1. The conical shaped member further comprises a diameter D1 along its length L1. The first end of the conical shaped portion is engaged with the bottom surface of the mounting portion. The leg portion comprises a first and second ends defining an overall length L2. The leg portion has a diameter D2.

Abstract: The present invention is a lounge chair that may be used by a person to comfortably lie on her back or stomach while supporting her arms and/or hands. In one embodiment, the lounge chair comprises a median member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The lounge chair further comprises a lower member and an upper member rotatably engaged with the first and second end portions of the median member, respectively. The lounge chair further comprises an arm support member rotatably engaged with the upper member. The arm support member comprises first and second arm portions disposed at opposite ends of the upper member.

Abstract: The present invention is a laryngoscope comprising a handle member having an upper portion and an internal cavity portion. The laryngoscope further comprises a blade member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the blade member is removably connected to the upper portion of the handle member. The laryngoscope further comprises a fiber optic cable having first and second ends extending from the first end portion of the blade member to substantially the second end portion of the blade member. The laryngoscope further comprises a light source removably disposed within the internal cavity of the handle member. The light source comprises a light emitting portion in communication with the first end of the fiber optic cable through the upper portion of the handle member to thereby transmit light through the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for frictionally engaging and supporting a cylindrical, fiber optic component such as an axial ferrule is provided with the capability of releasably locking the component in the apparatus, thereby permitting coupling of the component for extended periods of time without degradation of light transmission. The apparatus includes a cylindrical, split spring bushing positioned in a cavity defined by a two-part housing and a set screw in a threaded bore extending radially through overlapped portions of both housing parts. The screw is advanced into contact with the bushing to apply inwardly radial pressure thereto, increasing the frictional engagement of the bushing with the component to essentially lock the component in the apparatus. In a preferred method of fabrication and use of the apparatus, the two housing parts are placed in fully assembled condition, without the bushing, and a radial bore is formed through the overlapped portions.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal hygiene product for use upon the skin of a person and a process for forming the same. In one embodiment, the personal hygiene product comprises a buff portion having an abrasive and textured lower surface. The personal hygiene product further comprises a first foam layer impregnated within the buff portion and a second foam layer chemically bonded to the combination of the first foam layer and the buff portion. The first and second foam layers may comprise a variety of agents, including a foam agent and a cleansing agent.

Abstract: An endless belt for supporting a continuous web of filter media and moving it through liquid filtration apparatus where a pressure differential is applied across the belt and media. The belt may be fabricated at relatively low cost while retaining the required tensile strength. The belt is formed from a plurality of unique, unitary portions termed "hinge members" which are arranged in longitudinal columns and lateral rows, a plurality of links between each pair of laterally adjacent hinge members and connecting rods extending the full width of the belt through aligned openings in looped portions of the hinge members and openings in the links. The hinge members are preferably formed from a continuous strip of sheet metal by stamping and bending operations, with the links providing added tensile strength.

Abstract: A knife handle formed of two diverse materials includes a frame of rigid, thermosetting plastic having external surfaces and an elongated, internal cavity. A somewhat rubbery, resilient material covers portions of both the external surfaces and the cavity walls of the frame. The cavity is open at the distal end of the handle and is of substantially rectangular cross section. The resilient material covers all four walls of the cavity from the open end for a portion of its length, and covers only the two longer sides within the main body of the frame. A tang extending integrally from the knife blade is inserted into the cavity, contacting only the resilient material, with interference fit, within the cavity. Assembly is completed by inserting a rivet through aligned openings in the tang and handle, the handle openings being entirely surrounded by the resilient material.

Abstract: A cloud chamber for use with a source of pressurized medication in a MDI system wherein the cloud chamber has a unique one-way inspiratory air and one-way expiratory air valving system which utilizes the same valve body to provide both functions through utilization of different parts of the same valve body for performing the different and mutually exclusive functions. The present invention also provides for the storage of the pressurized medication container within the cloud chamber so that the medication can be conveniently and safely stored when the device in not in use.

Abstract: A method of making and a bellows cold shield wherein only the focused IR energy from the optical system of an IR detector will reach the detector or focal plane array, FPA, and all other radiation will be redirected from reaching the FPA through the use of a bellows cold shield having a predetermined geometrical surface which reflects the undesired light energy away from the FPA, and a microrough interior surface of this geometrical shape which absorbs any of the undesired light energy which is not so reflected away.