Abstract: A gelatinous composite article has a sealant layer, a permeable layer and a heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material. The sealant layer melts within a first temperature range. The permeable layer is over the sealant layer and melts at a second temperature greater than the first temperature range. The heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material is over the permeable layer and fuses to the sealant layer within the first temperature range. The sealant layer and the gelatinous elastomer material adhere to each other through the permeable layer once the first temperature is attained. Thereby, the permeable layer secures to the gelatinous layer.

Abstract: A chemical oxygen or other gas generator which has a container composed of thermally-conductive and gas-impervious material which contains pyrotechnic material, the container being in heat transfer relation with a block of oxygen-producing material for transfer of heat from burning of the pyrotechnic material within the container directly to the block of oxygen-producing material for initiation of decomposition thereof. The container is sealingly attached to the casing so that all of the evolved gases from burning of the pyrotechnic material are segregated from the produced breathable oxygen. The evolved gases are vented from the oxygen generator so as to reduce the ignition chamber pressure and/or allow a greater amount of pyrotechnic material to be burned within the ignition chamber so that a sufficient amount of heat may be generated within the ignition chamber for application to the block of oxygen producing material for initiation of decomposition thereof.

Abstract: An alkali metal, solid cathode, nonaqueous electrochemical cell capable of delivering high current pulses, rapidly recovering its open circuit voltage and having high current capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphonate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a mixture of a low viscosity solvent and a high permittivity solvent. A preferred solvent mixture includes propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane and an alkyl phosphonate additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument adapted for alignment with a light beam, which instrument includes an instrument body having a point of entry of the light beam, a light conducting channel, and a sensing element carried by the instrument and being spaced from the point of entry of the light beam. The sensing element serves to provide indication of alignment or misalignment between the instrument and the light beam. The light beam travels inside the instrument along the light conducting channel extending from the point of entry to the sensing element. One or more light guiding devices are disposed inside the light conducting channel to increase precision of alignment between the instrument and the light beam. The light guiding device has a wall forming a guiding passage inside the guiding device.

Abstract: A method for improving the electrical conductivity of a substrate of metal, metal alloy or metal oxide comprising depositing a small or minor amount of metal or metals from Group VIIIA metals (Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt) or from Group IA metals (Cu, Ag, Au) on a substrate of metal, metal alloys and/or metal oxide from Group IVA metals (Ti, Zr, Hf), Group VA metals (V, Nb, Ta), Group VIA metals (Cr, Mo, W) and Al, Mn, Ni and Cu. The native oxide layer of the substrate is changed from electrically insulating to electrically conductive. The step of depositing is carried out by a low temperature arc vapor deposition process. The deposition may be performed on either treated or untreated substrate. The substrate with native oxide layer made electrically conductive is useable in the manufacture of electrodes for devices such as capacitors and batteries.

Abstract: Synthetic resin mouldings such as panels and doors having an improved simulated wood grain finish are obtained by first coating a part of all of the mold surface with at least one colorant having a color which is different from the color of the resin cured and then wiping the mold surface. This has the unexpected effect of concentrating the colorant on the peaks and high points of the moulding and thus in the valleys of the resultant moulding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system control for directing and monitoring the operation of an automatic fastening machine, such as automatic drilling and riveting machine, by gathering, recording, and processing relevant data from each drilling and riveting cycle. The cycle data then becomes part of a master record that is useful for logging maintenance schedules, for establishing real-time cycle trends and for historical purposes. Real-time cycle trends are particularly beneficial to effect corrections in subsequent cycles.

Abstract: A stackable case to tower conversion for stacking shipping cases that are typically used for storing and transporting "pop-up" display structures for use at trade shows. The case to tower conversion provides a linking module for stacking cases one on top of the other. The linking module includes a plurality of walls, a plurality of projecting members, and a support member and is capable of engaging with the shipping cases to securely attach one case to another. The resulting tower can be used to form a part of the display and to support display panels or graphics.

Abstract: A power source including two alkali metal/transition metal oxide cells discharged in parallel to power an implantable medical device is described. The first cell powers the medical device in both a device monitoring mode, for example in a cardiac defibrillator for monitoring the heart beat, and a device actuation mode for charging capacitors requiring high rate electrical pulse discharging. At such time as the first cell is discharged to a predetermined voltage limit, the first cell is disconnected from pulse discharge duty and only used for the device monitoring function. At that time, the second cell is utilized for the high rate electrical pulse discharging function. When the first cell reaches 100% efficiency or a present voltage limit, the second cell then takes over both device monitoring and device actuation functions. In that manner, a greater average discharge efficiency is realized from the two cells than is capable of being delivered from a single cell of similar chemistry.

Abstract: A face mask for covering the nose and mouth of the wearer for supplying breathing gas thereto and a pair of strapless goggles which are easily and quickly donnable. The goggles are detachably attachable to the face mask by a tongue-and-groove connection wherein the tongue of the goggles is snapped into the face mask groove. Buttons are provided at the groove entrance for locking the tongue in the groove, the goggles being removable by depressing the buttons and sliding the tongue out over the depressed buttons. A face mask strap is coupled with hooks on the goggles frame for holding the goggles sealingly against the wearer's face. A vent is provided for supplying breathing gas to the goggles for venting thereof so as to prevent the entrance of smoke or disabling gases and to defog the lens.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a precooler and reheater core adjacent a chiller core, first heat transfer passages extending through both cores through which incoming air passes in a first direction, second heat transfer passages extending through the chiller core through which coolant passes in heat exchange relationship with incoming air and perpendicular to the first direction, and third heat transfer passages extending through the precooler and reheater core through which cooled air from the chiller core passes in heat exchange relationship with the incoming air and perpendicular to the first direction. A manifold contiguous with both cores conducts chilled air from the chiller core to the third set of heat transfer passages.Incoming air is chilled in the chiller core and thereafter exchanges heat with the incoming air in the precooler and reheater core to precool the incoming air to form water droplets and to raise the temperature of the chilled air to a usable temperature.

Abstract: A training system and method used to improve the biomechanics, distance per stroke, and aerobic metabolism of a swimmer is disclosed. The system employs a computer interface which allows a coach or a swimmer to input a particular training strategy using pace lights and timing system or, alternatively, using the system's internal training program. The system provides a generator to collect data from a swimmer. A part of the training system is designed to automate the data collection routine while operating in tandem with a swim meter. Another part of the system analyses the swimmers' performance and outputs the appropriate data to the pace light controlling circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention is an expanding device for supporting grinding sleeves. The device has a cylindrical member with an outer surface, an interior chamber, an expanding chamber, and a locking mechanism. The outer surface receives the grinding sleeve and has a first outer diameter of D. The interior chamber receives a rotatable shaft and has a second outer diameter of I, which is less than D. The expanding chamber comprises an expanding material that expands and contracts based upon pressure applied thereon and has a third outer diameter of H and an inner diameter of J, wherein H and J are both greater than I and less than D. The locking mechanism has an open position and a closed position and requires no hand tool to alter its position. When the locking mechanism is in the open position the locking mechanism applies a pressure P to the expanding chamber so the first outer diameter is D, the second outer diameter is I, the third outer diameter is H, and the inner diameter is J.

Abstract: A method for predicting respiratory disturbances, and a method for developing such an artificial neural network. The inputs to the method and to the artificial neural network of the present invention are the answers given by a person to a series of questions. The output of the artificial neural network is a predicted respiratory disturbance index.

Abstract: A cushion for use as an overlay for providing pressure relief so that pressure ulcers may be eliminated or retarded. The cushion includes a pair of inflatable side-by-side upper cells, a pair of individually inflatable side-by-side lower bladders, a crib, and a manifold all disposed within a cover. The manifold, which has inlet hoses connectable to a pump and outlet hoses connectable to the cells, bladders, and, if inflatable, the crib, is reusable, and the other components may be made inexpensively to be disposable so that the expense of cleaning and sanitizing after patient use may be avoided. For inclining the cushion upper surface to one side, one of the bladders is inflated while the other is uninflated.

Abstract: A reinforcing apparatus for supporting a utility pole against the bending forces of transverse wind components is described. The apparatus comprises an intermediate section extending to and meeting with spaced apart flanges. The intermediate section and the flanges are configured such that the elastic axis and shear center of the reinforcing apparatus is closer to the longitudinal axis of the pole and the point of load transfer from the pole than realized by prior art reinforcing apparatus. The intermediate section may have a variety of shapes, such as a "U" shape, "V" shape, or channel shape. The reinforcing apparatus may be constructed of high yield strength steel and is secured to the pole by means of one or more bands, or by means of bolts, screws or other fastening means.

Abstract: An array of graduated prisms disposed in a circle for rotating an incident image, the prisms are disposed with their end faces at the periphery of the circle and their apices at the center. The end faces are all oriented in the same direction either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for demodulating direct sequence, spread spectrum CDMA signals in the presence of unknown spread-spectrum multiuser interference and additive white Gaussian noise, using only the available received signal and the predetermined, pre-stored spreading code assigned to user of interest. The method includes the steps of sampling the incoming channel signal at the chip rate to produce an incoming sampled signal, supplying the incoming sampled signal to filter having tap coefficients corresponding to an auxiliary vector, the filter having an output representing an estimate of the transmitted symbol, providing the output to a sign determining components and determining the sign of the output to thereby generate the detected symbol.

Abstract: In an automatic fastening machine for installing fasteners in a workpiece provided with a hole for receiving a fastener having a longitudinal axis, wherein a work axis extends through the hole and wherein the fastener is held in a holding position prior to installation in the hole so that the fastener is oriented with the longitudinal axis thereof parallel to the work axis, a method and apparatus for detecting tipped or mis-oriented fasteners while in the holding position and prior to being upset in the workpiece, the method and apparatus utilizing at least one beam of energy which is influenced by the fastener orientation. Energy is radiated along at least one path intersecting the fastener when in the holding position and the radiated energy is received and a response is given to the amount of energy interrupted by the fastener in a manner providing an indiction if the fastener longitudinal axis is not parallel to the work axis.

Abstract: An alkali metal, solid cathode, nonaqueous electrochemical cell capable of delivering high current pulses, rapidly recovering its open circuit voltage and having high current capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphate additive to an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal salt dissolved in a mixture of a low viscosity solvent and a high permittivity solvent. A preferred solvent mixture includes propylene carbonate, dimethoxyethane and an alkyl phosphate additive.