Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert made up of a plurality of layers, bonded to one another, with each layer made of a plurality of parallel graphite fibers. Some of the layers are aligned longitudinally, while other of the layers have the fibers offset from the longitudinal axis. Thus, force loads are transmitted predominantly along length of the insert.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binocular artificial vision system including left and right hand video cameras providing left and right video signals to a stereo correlator providing a correlated distance signal at the output thereof. The left and right hand video cameras have overlapping fields-of-view, the stereo correlator derives a quality of correlation signal as well as a range distance signal from the left and right video signals, and means are provided to vary the effective eyebase of the video cameras in response to the quality of correlation signal.

Abstract: A barrier system for concealing unsightly piles (11) and similar supports used to support a waterfront structure such as a dock (10) and for converting the vertical plane outboard of the piles (11), above the waterline (12), and below the waterfront structure (10), to utilitarian space for the display of graphic media. In one embodiment of the invention, the barrier system comprises a dynamic system wherein the barrier moves upwardly and downwardly with incoming and outgoing tides and includes a fine stainless steel mesh screen (14) secured at it's upper end to a roller (15) mounted on support brackets (16, 18) secured to the dock (10) and at it's lower end to a rod (20) having eyelets (21) projecting from it's opposite ends. Cables (22) secured at their upper ends to the brackets (16, 18) extend through the eyelets (21) and are anchored in place by weights (W-1, W-2).

Abstract: A compact, unfired, staggered tube, once-through steam generator or boiler of simple construction intended primarily for combined cycle power plants in which the thermal energy utilized to generate steam is obtained from the exhaust gases of a gas turbine engine. The boiler provides steam at two different pressure levels, which maximizes recovery of thermal energy; and all wettable components in the steam/water loop are fabricated of corrosion resistant materials. This eliminates the need for controlling the pH of the feedwater and the need for chemically controlling its dissolved oxygen content, thereby reducing maintenance and operating costs and making automatic, unattended, remotely controlled operation of the boiler practical as well as eliminating the need for blowing down the boiler and minimizing requirements for make-up water. The boiler can be operated dry to remove gas side fouling; and feedwater flow rates can be directly controlled.

Abstract: A method of making a self-inflating air mattress comprising an open cell foam core enclosed within, and bonded to, upper and lower sheets. Each sheet is made by heat laminating to an outer substantially nonstretching fiber layer an intermediate solid polymer film layer to which is then heat laminated an inner solid polymer film layer having a melting temperature at which the intermediate film layer is structurally stable. The sheets are pressed against the foam core by heated platens, and afterwards cooled. These particular sheets form a reliable bond and alleviate a problem of creating air leaks through the intermediate film layer.

Abstract: A device to air entrain and add liquid soap or some other liquid to the water stream which flows through a shower head. There is a secondary liquid additive passageway leading into a constricted reduced pressure area of the main flow passageway of the shower water. There is a container rotatably mounted in a manner to either shut off flow of the liquid soap or other liquid, or to selectively meter the flow into the main water stream by selectively aligning aspirating air holes with an aspirating air passageway that leads into the secondary passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the read/write head of a drive unit for a jacketted flexible magnetic disc comprises a thin substantially square jacket, having, in register on each side, a central aperture and a slot which extends radially from adjacent the central aperture in a direction towards and normal to the rear edge of the jacket. The jacket contains a double-sided cleaning element having a pair of opposite cleaning surfaces of which a portion of each is exposed by a respective slot. The cleaning surfaces comprise respective layers of cleaning material secured together via an intermediate layer of a material which is impermeable to magnetic head cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A robotic tool changing system which is compatible with manipulators (20) of the type having a pair of opposable vise-like end-effector "fingers" (22,24) formed on an end-effector (21) is disclosed which may be used to grip and manipulate a wide range of different tools (42,44,45) and wherein the end-effector (21) includes: (i) alignment ports (29,30,34,35) formed on the gripping fingers (22,24) for reception of alignment pins (29',30',34',35') formed on the tools (42,44,45); (ii) a resistor (R1) embedded within each tool (42,44,45) which is uniquely representative of that tool; (iii) a tool comparator circuit (50) having at least one reference resistor (R2) for enabling identification of the particular tool gripped by the end-effector (21) and for generating a control output signal capable of selecting, defining and enabling and requisite utility(ies) and utility control line(s) required for proper operation of the gripped tool; (iv) electrical contact means (31,32) formed in at least one finger (22) for coo

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for applying pharmaceutical and other topical compositions to small animals such as cats and dogs.

Abstract: A variable camber vane particularly suitable for use as a variable stator vane (20) has a secured root (22), a free tip (24) and a working face (26) disposed within and diverting flow of a working fluid, exhibiting temperature-responsive deflection of the tip as respects the root correllative to the temperature of the working fluid, is comprised of a sintered, generally laminar composite of a first amorphous metallic composition as a first vane element (32) and a second amorphous metallic composition as a second vane element (34), wherein the coefficients of thermal expansion for each of the compositions differ; whereby the camber of the vane varies in response to thermal variations of the working fluid.

Abstract: A pair of planar electrodes spaced from one another by an electrolyte. The front electrode faces the air or vacuum environment and is transparent, and the second electrode is in thermal contact with a heat conducting surface and is reflective. By selectively modifying the voltage between the two electrodes, a partially reflective coating can be deposited on the back face of the front electrode or removed therefrom. With the coating removed, the emission of thermal radiation is minimized, and a major portion of the radiation from sources in the environment is reflected. With the coating present, emitted or reflected radiation interacting with the coating interferes destructively with the radiation emitted or reflected by the second electrode, maximizing thermal emission and absorbing a major portion of any incident radiation.

Abstract: Devices for effecting a patterned, non-turbulent, non-aspirating flow of air or other gaseous fluid into a room or other confined area or enclosure of finite vertical and horizontal dimensions. These devices have a perforate outlet member and vanes for directing the gas in a controlled manner through the perforations in the outlet member. The vanes, the configuration of the outlet member, and the size and total volume of the perforations are selected to match the pattern in which the gaseous fluid is delivered to the user's requirements. Adjustable vanes may be provided so that the pattern of the air delivered by the device can be changed without altering the size or location of the vanes, the size or configuration of the outlet member, or the size or total volume of the perforations.

Abstract: A mechanism for intermittently wetting a cleaning tape contained within a tape cassette housing is located within the housing at a position along the tape path prior to the tape exit in the direction of forward motion of the tape. The mechanism comprises a star wheel rotatably mounted adjacent the inside surface of the cleaning tape whose arms are driven by friction with the tape to rotate the star wheel, and a lever pivotted adjacent the same surface of the tape as the star wheel, the lever being intermittently deflected in a first direction of rotation by engagement with successive arms of the star wheel as the star wheel rotates during forward motion of the tape.

Abstract: A cassette-like housing having a cleaning ribbon mounted therein and wound on a pair of spools. The housing is adapted to be positioned in a playing location of a conventional playing/recording unit to operatively engage the video head and other components of the unit to clean the same. There is a cleaning cartridge to clean the capstan and pinch roller of the unit, and this cartridge is adjustable to be moved between two separate locations. In one location, the ribbon is between the capstan and pinch roller, and in the other location, it bypasses the capstan and pinch roller. There is also a mirror device to activate the shut off mechanism.

Abstract: A wide angle laser window for directing a coherent radiation beam through the skin of an aircraft to or from a distant point located at a varying azimuthal position with respect thereto is comprised of a fluid prismatic window including a first beam-transmissive window panel disposed aerodynamically with respect to the skin of the aircraft, a second beam-transmissive window panel disposed inwardly proximate the first in pivotable relationship therewith, a flexible seal securing the panels to define a fluid cell therebetween, and a beam-transmissive fluid charged to the cell; wherein the indices of refraction for each of the panel members and the fluid are matched to yield a variable angle prism having substantially uniform optical properties. A laser system incorporating a plurality of the aforesaid windows located circumferentially about an aircraft permits beam steering over a wide range of angles substantially enveloping the craft.

Abstract: A rigid orthotic insert having an elongate reinforcing member at a localized position in the orthotic. The reinforcing member comprises a fiberglass reinforced plastic core, around which is wrapped several layers of a sheet made of graphite fibers impregnated with resin. The graphite fibers are oriented with the lengthwise axis of the reinforcing member, and these are formed as an integral part of the insert.

Abstract: A nozzle for expelling a fluid stream and dispersing and/or mixing same with(in) an ambient fluid is comprised of a resiliently flexible tube having an effective length at least equal to one harmonic wavelength of a coupled fluid stream for flexural resonant vibration of the tube as the stream is conducted therethrough, wherein the tube has a transverse cross-sectional profile and a longitudinal cross-sectional profile, at least one of which possesses a motion-affecting geometric gradient. The tube of the nozzle may include vanes disposed for creating turbulence within the ambient fluid. The nozzle is preferably formed from an elastomeric material and includes an enlarged, plastically deformable shoulder region at its proximal end for radial distention upon passage of any particulate material within the fluid stream having a dimensional aspect in excess of the bore dimension of the tube.

Abstract: An orthotic insert formed of a plurality of layers bonded to one another. Some of the layers are made from fiberglass reinforced plastic, having the fibers oriented at 45.degree. from the longitudinal axis. At least one of the layers is made of parallel graphite fibers, having an axis of orientation offset from the longitudinal axis of the insert.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing components having internal flow passages in which an insert composed of a carrier and passage-forming and/or flow controlling elements is sandwiched between or installed in elements of the component. The insert associated and component elements are then bonded together and the carrier subsequently leached away to complete the formation of the flow passages.

Abstract: A sound recording having right and left information channels to drive right and left speakers, respectively. The right information channel has a left main stereo component having a pattern corresponding and similar to a left stereo input signal. In addition, it has a right to left compensating component having a pattern which corresponds to an inverted and delayed pattern of a right stereo input signal. In like manner, the right channel has a right main stereo component having a pattern corresponding and similar to the right stereo input signal. It also has a left to right compensating component having a pattern which corresponds to an inverted and delayed pattern of the left stereo input signal. The effect is that the main stereo components travelling to the nearest ear of a listener are not diminished substantially, while the main stereo components travelling to the further ear are diminished. The effect is a highly dimentionalized sound pattern.