Abstract: A power driven ratchet tool includes a generally tubular handle having a drive motor and transmission supported therein, and a driver assembly releasably secured to the handle. The driver assembly includes a tubular housing having a drive shaft extending therethrough and coupled to the motor through the transmission. A wrench head housing at the distal end of the housing includes a drive socket having an aperture therethrough configured to engage a standard threaded component. The drive socket includes gear teeth extending about the periphery thereof. The drive shaft supports an eccentric crank at its distal end to engage a slot opening in a drive pawl pin disposed within the head housing. The drive pawl pin is constrained to translate within the housing in a reciprocal arcuate path concentric to the drive socket axis.

Abstract: A control device provides a variable control signal to electrical apparatus and has a control member, such as a stylus or a turnable or slidable member, that is manipulated to vary the signal. Photoelectric sensors detect and track movement of the control member. The control member is disposed at the face of an electronic image display screen which can display calibration marks, identifying labels, current setting and/or other graphics pertinent to operation of the control device. The display screen also operates as the light source for the photoelectric sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a high speed liquid jet used in forming ophthalmic incisions includes an instrument body having an elongated rectangular portion and a tapered end portion. An applanation suction ring assembly is secured to the tapered end, and is provided with a stepped opening extending axially therethrough. A carriage assembly extends longitudinally within the instrument body, and a pair of high precision crossed roller slides join the carriage and body to permit lateral translation of the carriage. A micro-motor assembly secured within the body is joined to a pinion gear which engages a rack gear joined to the carriage to drive the carriage in lateral translation. The carriage includes a proximal connector for a high pressure fluid hose, and a jet nozzle assembly extending from the distal end. A plurality of guide members are provided, all having common structural features adapted to engage the stepped opening of the distal end of the instrument body.

Abstract: An improved construction for custom clip-on accessories for spectacles includes a pair of accessory lens components that are shaped to conform to the lenses of a pair of spectacles. A pair of clasp components are secured to upper edge portions of respective accessory lenses, and a bridge member joins the two upper clasps to form an assembly thereof. In addition, a pair of lower clasps are secured to lower edge portions of the respective accessory lenses. The upper and lower clasps include bracket portions that engage the frame (or, in frameless spectacles, the edges of the ophthalmic lenses) and removably retain the clip-on assembly to the spectacles. Each clasp includes a channel-like opening for receiving the edge portion of the accessory lens. The channel is formed of a stiff, form-retaining metal that may be crimped to contract onto the edge portion of the accessory lens.

Abstract: A horizontal playing field board along which players propel play pieces has end zones at which the pieces may come to rest. Air outflow through an array of apertures in the board levitates the play pieces except at the end zone that is opposite from the players. This substantially eliminates friction except at the end zone where the pieces come to rest. Following insertion of payment in commercial versions of the game, the air blower shuts down when a player attains a maximum score or after elapse of a predetermined time period regardless of the player's scores. The board is light transmissive enabling illumination from underneath. Markings at each end zone which identify areas of different score value are changeable images produced by electronic display screens. This enables player selection of any of a plurality of different games having different marking patterns.

Abstract: Operator interaction with electrical systems is facilitated by providing electromechanical control devices, which have switch buttons, rotary knobs or the like, with flat panel displays that convey information pertaining to the controls that can be changed instantly by a display controller. The display may identify the function of the control, the current setting, create calibration marks or provide other graphics. The images change automatically if the same control is used for multiple functions. In one form of the invention, the display screen has openings in the image area and the controls extend through and protrude from the screen enabling display of graphics in close proximity to the controls. In another form, the settings of controls which are secured to the face of a display screen are optically or magnetically detected by sensors located behind the screen.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming a small building includes a continuous curved wall forming a semi-arcuate arch, the wall comprised of lightweight cellular material such as foamed blocks. The blocks may be identical and interchangeably secured in place by adhesive to form the wall, so that the arch is easily constructed. The arched wall comprises both the longitudinal sides and the top of the structure. In addition, the structure includes an outer skin which covers the entire exterior of the arched wall. The outer skin is both a weatherproof layer and a tension member to apply a compressive force uniformly to the outer surface of the arched wall and significantly augment the load strength of the arch, resulting in a structure that is made very strong with a minimum mass of material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dental procedures using a dental hydrojet tool having a cannula extending therefrom. The cannula is connected to a source of high pressure liquid, and delivers a high velocity, high pressure jet. For root canal procedures, the cannula is directed through an opening formed in the crown of the tooth, and the hydrojet is directed at the pulp, nerve and vascular tissue within the interior chamber. The jet may comprise medical-grade saline, disinfectant, antibiotic or abrasive solutions. All the soft tissue within the tooth is cut, excised, emulsified, and aspirated out of the tooth. The time required to excise, emulsify, and aspirate all the soft tissue within a typical molar is on the order of 10-240 seconds. The interior chamber of the tooth is completely aspirated and verified visually for completion of removal of all soft tissue, and then packed with an appropriate filler material, and the opening in the top of the tooth is filled or provided with a prosthetic crown.

Abstract: A multi-capacitor device having a plurality of capacitors in a single circuit package is formed of a plurality of layers of dielectric material, preferably the same type of material that is commonly used to fabricate circuit boards. The plurality of layers are disposed in a vertically stacked relationship. Each capacitor is formed of first and second pluralities of planar electrodes formed on alternating layers of the stack. The first plurality of electrodes is disposed in a first vertically stacked array, and the second plurality of electrodes is disposed in a second vertically stacked array. Each vertical electrode array is provided with a via hole extending through all of its layers to connect all of the respective electrode array in parallel. At the upper surface of the assembly, each via hole is connected to a solder pad and disposed to be soldered to a connection point on a printed circuit board or the like.

Abstract: A cassette for supporting electrical component substrates in a megasonic processing bath includes a pair of end panels spaced apart longitudinally, a pair of side rails extending longitudinally along opposed sides of the substrate cassette, and at least one bottom support extending between lower portions of the end panels. The supports include a plurality of shallow channels extending laterally therein and spaced regularly therealong to receive edge portions of the substrates. The side rails and bottom supports of the cassette are all formed of plate components that are dimensioned to transmit the maximum amount of the megasonic energy projected into the processing bath, so that the components do not cause sound-shadowing of the substrates supported in the cassette. The side rails and bottom supports are formed of narrow plates having a thickness equal to an integer multiple (i.e., 1, 2, 3, etc.) or an even fractional (i.e., ½, ¼, etc.