Abstract: A one-piece non-metallic nut ring for surrounding and supporting an electrical connector attached to a bulkhead or other flat panel. The nut ring includes a planar backplate and threaded nuts extending outwardly therefrom. The backplate and nuts are coextensively and continuously connected to one another by compression molding a matrix of resin impregnated, non-metallic fibers. The non-metallic fibers are preferably short chopped fibers that are randomly dispersed within the matrix in directions extending generally parallel to the plane of the backplate. The nut ring of this invention is characterized as being of relatively light weight, corrosion resistant, non-conductive and able to withstand detection by radar.

Abstract: The gasket and method of the present invention can be used for creating thinner surfaces on structures, including gaskets, without necessarily damaging such structures during formation, and without the need to resort to the undesirable practice of chemical milling. An annular ring is stamped to create an axially offset concentrically outward ring. The side of this ring which is displaced above the remainder of the annular ring is lathed off while the annular ring is securely attached to a lathe. The annular ring is secured at its inner and outer diameter during the facing operation to insure good support and that the work piece will not be harmed during processing. Further punching operations form apertures in the gasket while a small portion of axially offset material is left at the radial extent of the gasket. Finally, this axially offset material is punched away, and the gasket is made available for further finishing operations such as sand blasting.

Abstract: A relatively low cost, lightweight user propelled treadmill that provides the user with a full body workout. The treadmill includes a housing which supports a tread for rotation around front and rear rotatable drums. Extending upwardly from the housing are a pair of user actuated handlebars which are adapted for back and forth movement relative to the housing. The handlebars are coupled to the front rotatable drum by a one way clutch so that the movement of the handlebars generated by the user is translated into a corresponding movement of the tread without the assistance of an electric motor. The one way clutch is located within the front rotating drum so as to be able to grasp and rotate the drum in the same direction as the clutch whenever the clutch is rotated in a particular direction.

Abstract: A compact and easy-to-use protective enclosure having normally open opposite ends and an identical elastic collar surrounding each end. The enclosure is sized to extend between the head and neck of the wearer and provide a self-contained supply of air from which to breathe when it is desirable to isolate the eyes, nose and ears of the wearer from a hostile environment. The first end of the enclosure is closed against the wearer's neck by the elastic collar surrounding the first end, and the opposite end of the enclosure is closed against the wearer's head by the elastic collar surrounding the opposite end. The first and opposite ends of the enclosure may be tightened around the head and neck of the wearer by pulling on respective attachment straps affixed to the collars so as to correspondingly reduce the areas within such ends. The enclosure is provided with optional filters covered by tear-off strips that may be removed when the enclosure is worn in a non-poisonous environment.

Abstract: The firewall feed-through adapter of the present invention, and method for making, is an assembly utilizing an aluminum oxide insulator which is specially machined to interfit with the outer insulation of the conductors. The firewall shell is specially designed to compress the insulator about the conductors and their wire insulation to insure a complete sealing of the firewall side of the adapter. The shell of the adapter is machined both to reduce the labor involved in its manufacture, as well as to provide an internal frusto-conic surface which is used to compress the insulation about the conductors and their wire insulation. The action of securing the shell to the back plate simultaneously seals the shell against the firewall while sealing the insulation against the conductors and the inner surfaces of the shell.

Abstract: A pessary senses the dilation and effacement of the cervix of patients at risk for premature labor by sensing changes in the energy levels transmitted through the cervical tissue. In one embodiment, light is utilized to periodically illuminate tissues adjacent the cervix, the light being detected serving as an indicator of the onset of labor. The detection of a condition of premature labor is transmitted to a patient monitor through either conductors extending out of the body and into the monitor, or via electromagnetic transmissions (radio) sent from the pessary to a receiver associated with the patient monitor. Interpretation of the energy detected may occur either within the pessary or within the patient monitor.

Abstract: An engine timing plate for cooperating with an engine driven timing wheel and an inductive sensor is provided. An arcuate plate is formed to fit internally within an ignition system housing. The plate includes at least two separate slots positioned on an arc such that the plate is movable, relative to two mounting screws of the housing, over a selected angular range for adjusting engine timing. A sensor mount is included for engaging the inductive sensor in a position adjacent to the timing wheel. An elongate window in the plate is positioned for exposing a timing line that is visible on a mounting surface of the housing. The window provides visual guidance with respect to the timing line in positioning the inductive sensor. The elongate window may provide a series of reference lines for more accurately aligning the plate through relative positioning of the timing line with the series of reference lines.

Abstract: A fluted tube, defined by a multiplicity of parallel flutes extending over the length of the tube, is constructed by providing a flat portion of sheet metal, forming a series of undulations in one portion to form a corrugated section which is allowed to adjoin and be continuous with a flat section at a transition line or point. The sheet is engaged with tynes at the transition point and simultaneously welded as it is rolled into a spiral to form a multiplicity of flutes each bound by an undulation and a portion of the flat sheet metal. The flat sheet section can have a sufficient length so that it defines the last exterior layer of the spirally wound fluted structure to form a smooth walled, tubular envelope.

Abstract: The present portable fence is durable, lightweight and easily transported, erected and dismantled. In use, it will collapse upon impact, due to a break away, in the first embodiment, a joint between the fence post and its supporting leg, and in the second embodiment a joint in the supporting leg, yet in both embodiments the fence may be quickly and easily re-erected.

Abstract: An air mover which allows for both side-by-side and coaxial stacking. An air mover is essentially composed of substantially a cylindrical fan or motor housing with an air exhaust nozzle extending tangentially therefrom. The side-by-side stacking arrangement includes the interlocking of the stacking register of the handle of the air mover with the underside of the accessory flange at the distal end of the nozzle. The handle snugly nests within the space formed by the nozzle as it extends tangentially from the motor housing. The coaxial stacking involves the interlocking of a tab on the nozzle and a circular projection on one planar surface of the air mover with a slot and circular depression on the opposite planar of another air mover. The diameter of the circular depression being greater than the diameter of the circular projection and the slot being sized to receive the tab. Alone or in combination, the interlocking systems provide for compact storage and transportation.

Abstract: The flow cell system and method of the present invention for constructing and operating a light scattering test stand enables close reproducible tolerances to be achieved and automatically ensures the mutual alignment of the structures utilized to maintain stability. Pins and bosses are utilized to maintain alignment of the cell assembly with the read head. The flow cell assembly is held down in the read head independently of the stray light cover. The design of the present invention enables precision alignment reproducibility and ease of use.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is disclosed, a pair of which are affixed at opposite sides of a conventional computer memory device (e.g. a hard disk drive system). The mounting brackets detachably connect the memory device to a removable computer circuit card by way of slots formed through the card. The brackets have legs which are received through the slots to engage the circuit card and thereby prevent the detachment of the memory device. Blocking arms of the mounting brackets are received through respective slots to prevent the disengagement of the legs of the brackets from the circuit card. A blocking arm and a leg are engaged in a single slot. The blocking arms may be rotated out of the slots to then permit the disengagement of the bracket legs from the circuit card so that the memory device may be disconnected from the card.

Abstract: The spray container storage and retrieval system of the present invention encompasses both an apparatus and method enabling quick, safe retrieval of a spray container from a holster.In a first embodiment, a spray container with a forward trigger is stored in a specially designed sleeve having a special surface for securing the forward trigger from the discharge position. In a second embodiment, a flanged sleeve facilitates the springing displacement of a spray container having a safety flap over the discharge button and is intended to be used with a flap holster, and with a spray container which has no discharge button which can be utilized with a specialized structure on the sleeve. The third embodiment includes an open holster having an inwardly disposed locking groove which engages a pin collar fitted about the upper portion of a spray container, which can be re-used on subsequent spray containers by removing it from the used spray container and re-installing it on the new spray container.

Abstract: A pocket hinge assembly having a cabinet plate mounted inside a cabinet, a cup mounted within a receptacle formed in a cabinet door, and a linking member that pivotally connects the cabinet plate to the cup to permit the cup to rotate relative to the cabinet plate and the cabinet door to move between open and closed positions relative to the cabinet. A first end of the linking member is coupled to the cup at a pivot extending therethrough such that the cup is rotatable relative to the cabinet plate at the pivot pin. The opposite end of the linking member is adjustably connected to the cabinet plate to correspondingly vary the overlay between the cabinet and the door in the closed position.

Abstract: A dual direction check valve which facilitates the connection of an IV fluid line to the proximal end of a hypodermic needle that is used to make a veni puncture so that a patient may be infused with fluid from an IV medication bag, or the like. What is more, the check valve is adapted to reliably block the backflow of blood through the needle during the interconnection and start-up of the IV system. A resilient valve core formed from an elastomeric material has a peripheral sealing surface extending therearound. The check valve is closed to fluid flow in both directions when the sealing surface of the valve core mates against a complementary peripheral sealing surface which surrounds the valve core. The check valve is opened to fluid flow in both directions when an axial pushing force (e.g. generated by a Luer lock fitting) is applied to the valve core, whereby the valve core is compressed and the sealing surface thereof is separated from its complementary sealing surface to establish a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed to implement an energy saving electronic ballast (1A) for driving a fluorescent lamp or tube (2). The circuit is characterized by a high power factor, low harmonic distortion and minimized radio frequency interference. The circuit includes a unique DC power supply (4) comprising a high pass filter (8), which receives an AC input signal, a diode bridge rectifier (6) and a high speed diode rectifier (D2) which cooperates with the bridge rectifier to provide the power supply with first and second rectification stages. A current regulating capacitor (C4) for driving the fluorescent lamp or tube is connected to the DC power supply between the first and second rectification stages. A trigger and high frequency oscillator are provided after the second rectification stage of the power supply to provide the DC current necessary to operate the ballast circuit.

Abstract: A pull out cup and can holder to receive and restrain a coffee cup or a beverage can at respective first and second openings formed through first and opposite ends of the holder. The cup and can holder is slidably received in and removable from a frame that is mounted below a suitable flat surface of a vehicle (e.g. a boat, and the like) that is subjected to turbulence and other mechanical forces during operation. The cup and can holder may be partially removed from the frame to expose either the first or second opening at the forward end thereof for receiving and restraining either a cup or a can. The cup and can holder may also be completely removed from the frame to be rotated by 180 degres and then returned to the frame so that the first or second opening may be relocated to the forward end whereby to receive and restrain the beverage container of the user's choice.