Abstract: A gas leak sensor shutoff valve includes a cylindrical body having a connector nipple secured in an inlet port and adapted to be secured to a gas supply pipe. An internal bore extends within the body and joins the inlet port in coaxial fashion. The internal end surface of the connector nipple includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots. A valve assembly is translatably disposed within a stepped valve chamber in the bore. The valve assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall closed at one end, and a pair of opposed holes extending through the sidewall. A gasket is secured to the closed end of the valve assembly, the periphery of the gasket extending outwardly from the valve assembly to impinge on an annular shoulder within the bore. A flow path extends from the connector nipple, through the slots in the internal end of the connector nipple, past the gap between the sealing gasket and the annular shoulder, and through the holes in the cylindrical sidewall to the distal end of the internal bore.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for treatment of chronic and referred pain such as chronic headaches and migraine headaches, as well as pain of the upper back, neck and shoulders, and lower back pain using low power laser light. The source of such referred pain involves microscopic and macroscopic tears in the periosteal-osseous junctions of the upper vertebrae, the scapula, and the skull. These lesions stimulate the generation of histamines, kinins, bradykinins, prostaglandin, proteolytic enzymes, seratonin, and other substances which cause numerous localized autonomic reactions, such as muscle spasm, ischemia, local inflammation, edema, as well as generalized reactions such as increased blood pressure, photophobia, nausea, blurred vision, copious mucous flow of the nose and sinus, and the like. The muscle spasms are responsible for transmitting the pain sensation to other portions of the body, and the systemic reactions are often associated with migraine-type headaches.

Abstract: A freestanding corner furniture unit includes a pair of side support panels extending vertically from a floor, the side supports disposed mutually orthogonally, each side support extending perpendicularly from an adjacent wall that defines a corner of a room. A plurality of shelves are disposed in a vertically stacked, spaced apart array spanning the side supports. The shelves all include a pair of laterally opposed edges disposed in orthogonal relationship and each adapted to impinge on a respective side support, whereby each shelf is secured to the side supports. All shelves include a pair of rear edges disposed in orthogonal relationship and disposed to impinge on respective adjacent wall surfaces that converge to define the corner area. The lowermost shelf projects outwardly from the corner, and is spaced from the supporting floor to define a desk surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ambient stress states and material properties in underground media includes a borehole probe having a cylindrical tube formed of soft, elastic polymer material secured about a central mandrel. An upper end cap assembly removably secures the probe to a service module to provide high pressure hydraulic fluid and sensor connections. A distal end cap seals the tube to the mandrel, so that hydraulic pressure causes diametrical expansion of the tube. The end cap includes an annular seal formed of elastic polymer material and helical springs that are embedded therein in the circumferential direction. The interiors of the helical springs are filled with steel pins or balls to prevent deformation of the springs. High strength fibers are bonded in the outer surfaces of the annular seal and oriented longitudinally to permit radial expansion of the seal assembly without hydraulic leakage or extrusion of the soft polymer of the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A shutoff valve for a portable gas appliance to detect an upset or inverted disposition of the appliance and immediately stop all gas flow includes a valve body having an inlet port that is threaded to be secured directly to a compressed gas tank, and a stem extending outwardly therefrom to actuate the safety valve typically provided in the tank outlet. An internal bore extends within the valve body and includes a proximal end that joins the inlet port in generally coaxial fashion. The internal bore is adapted to be oriented preferably in an upright attitude. At the distal end of the bore a threaded female receptacle is formed. An O-ring seal concentrically within a medial portion of the bore, and a valve ball is translatably retained between the O-ring seal and the valve stem. If the appliance becomes upset or overturned, the valve ball will be driven gravitally to roll toward the O-ring seal.

Abstract: An automatic trailer load covering system includes a pair of end assemblies removably secured to opposite ends of the trailer load bed, and a main strut extending between the midpoints of the upper sides of the end assemblies. Each end assembly includes an arch-like channel that supports an end wall, the channels of the end assemblies being oriented in paired, opposed, confronting relationship. At least one pair of tarp covers is provided, each rectangular tarp cover including longitudinally opposed side edges received in one pair of the end channels. Each tarp cover extends from the main strut to the trailer bed, covering one side and one-half width of the top of the trailer load bed. A drive sprocket is supported on the main strut at the upper extent of the channel and an idler sprocket at the lower end of the channel, with a continuous loop of chain extending through the channel.

Abstract: A gas leak sensor shutoff valve includes a cylindrical body having a connector nipple secured in an inlet port and adapted to be secured to a gas supply pipe. An internal bore extends within the body and joins the inlet port in coaxial fashion. The internal end surface of the connector nipple includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots. A valve assembly is translatably disposed within a stepped valve chamber in the bore. The valve assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall closed at one end, and a pair of opposed holes extending through the sidewall. A gasket is secured to the closed end of the valve assembly., the periphery of the gasket extending outwardly from the valve assembly to impinge on an annular shoulder within the bore. A flow path extends from the connector nipple, through the slots in the internal end of the connector nipple, past the gap between the sealing gasket and the annular shoulder, and through the holes in the cylindrical sidewall to the distal end of the internal bore.

Abstract: An air-operated pump includes a pair of poppet valves affixed to a vertical valve shaft and arranged so that the upper valve is closed when the lower valve is open, and vice versa. When a connected displacer is immersed in tank fluid, its buoyancy in combination with a bias spring translates the valve shaft to operate the poppet valves. An upper poppet valve chamber is connected [1 ] via a restrictance to an auxiliary air supply, and also [2] to an air operator that triggers a three-way pneumatic valve, an inlet port of which controls a main air supply while a second port is vented to atmosphere. A third port transmits an air supply to the tank through the intermediation of a quick exhaust valve, which rapidly vents the tank at the end of each pump cycle and also serves to isolate the three-way valve from any tank-fluid contamination.

Abstract: A laser diode operating system utilizes the photodiode mounted in the housing of the laser diode, and monitors the photodiode signal to check for a clear laser beam delivery path and a target proximate to the output of the beam path. Upon initial power-up of the system, a brief laser pulse is emitted, and laser light reflected retrograde in the delivery path is received by the photodiode. If the photodiode signal exceeds a first threshold level, due to occlusion of the delivery path, further operation of the system is prevented until the delivery path is cleared. During operator use, the photodiode signal is compared with a second threshold level, and operation is interrupted if the signal fails to exceed the second threshold level. During interruption of operation mode, the laser diode is pulsed briefly and reiteratively to ascertain if a target object is proximate to the laser diode output.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic foot construction providing resilient lateral flexion as well as excellent longitudinal flexion and energy recovery includes a core frame embedded in an expanded polymer body that mimics the shape of a natural foot. The core frame extends in a generally vertical plane, and comprises a modified trapezoidal shape having an open medial region. The frame includes an upper side having a mounting bolt extending therethrough to a lower leg prosthesis, and a lower side generally parallel to the sole of the prosthesis. The rear side of the trapezoid extends generally parallel to the rear heel surface of the prosthesis, and the front side extends obliquely from the upper side toward the lower side. A ball and socket connection joins the front side and the lower side of the frame, so that the oblique front side of the frame may undergo rotational motion with respect to the remainder of the frame.

Abstract: An improved clothes hook assembly includes a hanger web having a serpentine configuration having multiple peaks and valleys spaced along the length of the web, with short linear segments extending between the adjacent peaks and valleys. The cross-sectional configuration of the web comprises a broad T-shape defined by continuous upper and lower flanges extending from respecting upper and lower edges of the web, the flanges being contiguous with the outer surface of the web. The web is preferably integrally formed and includes a plurality of holes for securing the web to a vertical structural member such as a wall or door. A plurality of hooks are adapted to be removably secured to the web. Each hook includes a medial linear portion, and a lower arm having a U configuration depending from the medial portion. An upper arm projects obliquely upwardly from the medial portion, and both the upper and lower arms terminate distally in ball-shaped ends. The upper and lower arms are disposed in a common hook plane.

Abstract: In an improved method and apparatus for investment casting, a pattern (31) is mounted on a sprue base (19) of an spider gasket (12) that is secured to one end of a standard investment flask (11). A solid end cap (13) is secured to the other end of the flask. The end cap is provided with a matrix of holes (15) extending therethrough parallel to the axis of the flask, and a plurality of small diameter rods (16) are slidable secured in the holes in the end cap. The rods are extended into the interior of the flask about the pattern without contacting the pattern. Investment plaster (10) is poured into the flask through the spider assembly to immerse the pattern and rods, and the plaster is allowed to set. The rods are then withdrawn, forming a large plurality of channels (32) extending into or through the investment plaster, reducing the amount of investment plaster required in the flask. The channels greatly accelerate the drying time of the investment, and hasten the subsequent burnout process in a kiln.

Abstract: An electronic display for amusement or ornamentation includes a CMOS counter chip connected to a low voltage DC source, with each counter output connected directly to one of a plurality of LEDs. An antenna wire, which can be a short length of wire or a wire hook is connected directly to the trigger input of the chip, and the ambient field-induced AC voltage on the antenna is sufficient to actuate the counter chip and cause the LEDs to flicker sequentially as the counter outputs are incremented. The LEDs may be embodied in a wide variety of decorative arrays to represent objects, images, and icons. The visual effect is not monotonous, due to the natural variations of the ambient field about the ornament. The invention also comprises a Christmas tree light assembly, including a plurality of ornaments, each constructed as described and including a hook-shaped antenna wire for hanging on a Christmas tree. Each ornament may be powered by an individual battery included therein.

Abstract: A vehicle turn signal malfunction warning system that alerts the vehicle driver when a turn signal indication is not cancelled after a predetermined time period comprises a modular housing that is plug-compatible with all standardized flasher units in use, requires no wiring to be connected to the turn signal system or to the vehicle electrical system. The system includes a full-wave rectifier connected across the inputs of the standard turn signal flasher, and is powered solely by the voltage derived from the turn signal system. The warning system includes a first time base circuit, a second time base circuit, a gating means, and a tone generator means. The first time base circuit is arranged to be fully charged by the first turn signal pulse through the full-wave rectifier, and to discharge approximately 2.5 seconds after the turn signal pulse train ends. The second time base circuit begins charging when the first time base is fully charged, and accumulates a charge until the first time base circuit resets.

Abstract: A tool for removing paint saturated roller sleeves from roller frame assemblies includes a ring-shaped front nose piece secured to a skeletal frame which extends to a mechanism having a plunger assembly. The roller sleeve secured to the roller frame is placed in the skeletal frame, which is dimensioned to engage the outer diameter of the roller sleeve. The plunger is advanced toward the nose piece, pushing the roller frame out of the sleeve and releasing the roller frame from the sleeve, which is retained in the skeletal frame. The tool may include a caulking gun-type mechanism for incrementally advancing the plunger, so that a trigger lever may be used to actuate the plunger and remove the roller sleeve. The tool may also be used in conjunction with a cartridge for applying caulking, sealant, glue, and the like.

Abstract: An oscillating blade saw used for cutting a wide range of construction materials, vehicular materials, and general structural materials. The saw is inherently safer than prior art cutting tools such as circular saws, jig saws, band saws, and the like, while being effective in cutting many materials that are cut by prior art power saws. The oscillating blade saw of the present invention comprises an electrical motor coupled to one end of a drive shaft, the motor being powered by either AC utility power or self-contained, rechargeable batteries. An output shaft is mounted in the distal end of the tool, and includes a cam follower impinging on a cam mounted on the drive shaft. The cam and follower are dimensioned so that the output shaft oscillates through an angular excursion of a few degrees or less. A disc-like saw blade is mounted on the output shaft, the blade having non-direction saw teeth extending from the edge thereof.

Abstract: A proximity sensor apparatus for use with a laser diode device utilizes the photodiode mounted in the housing of the laser diode, and includes an electronic circuit coupled to the photodiode to monitor the output of the photodiode. When an object is closely adjacent to the output window of the laser diode, reflected light from the laser diode is transmitted retrograde through the output window and is received by the photodiode within the housing. The circuit of the invention establishes a threshold level for the photodiode current, determines the proximity of the reflecting object and permits (or prevents) operation of the laser diode. The circuit also includes a sampling timer to operate the laser diode for a very brief period (on the order of microseconds) each second, to ascertain if a target object is proximate to the laser diode output. The circuit is set to prevent laser operation, and operates the laser diode to emit a brief test pulse and determine the level of reflected laser light.

Abstract: A discrete, internal self-cooling device installed in a standard beverage can during assembly that operates on the principle of heat loss through vaporization. A refrigerant vessel is provided for holding a cryogenic refrigerant. The vessel includes a refrigerant vessel body made up of cylindrical side walls having upper and lower rims, an upper plug sealing the upper end of the vessel and a lower plug sealing a lower medial portion of the vessel. The upper plug includes a metering orifice extending axially therethrough, and the lower plug includes a hole extending therethrough and aligned with the metering orifice. A piston is received within the vessel between the lower rim and the lower plug, and includes a rod-like piston extension extending through the lower plug hole. The piston extension includes a tip dimensioned to be received in the metering orifice in sealing fashion.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a pumped rod-type laser includes an arc lamp disposed to illuminate the lasing medium, such as a NdYAG crystalline rod. The apparatus includes a full wave rectifier to power the arc lamp, and a MOSFET switching circuit to turn on and off the arc lamp power at controlled times during each half cycle of the power waveform so that the laser medium is pumped and optically discharged once during each half cycle of the power supply. The laser power output is measured by a photodetector during each half cycle, and the photodetector output is integrated and compared with a manually set, variable laser output power level. When the actual laser power reaches the preset power level, the comparator initiates turning off the MOSFET switching circuit power for that respective half cycle of the power waveform.

Abstract: A method for carrying out surgical procedures using a laser and a laser surgical tool includes the provision of a temperature control device associated with the laser which monitors the temperature of the surgical tool and delivery system and governs the laser power output to achieve a desired temperature level. The temperature control device may be used either to prevent heating of the surgical tool and delivery system beyond it structural tolerance, or to maintain a predetermined temperature level which is optimized for a particular surgical or medical procedure. The delivery system may comprise an optical fiber, and the surgical tool may comprise the output end of the optical fiber which is free of any additional surgical cutting implement.