Abstract: An improved mobile electric power generating system comprising a substantially enclosed trailer for housing a power plant is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a radiator filling apparatus including a first conduit, extending from a fill opening in the radiator to a relatively accessible fill point on the trailer, and a second conduit, extending from an overflow opening in the radiator to an overflow point. Coolant supplied at the fill point is transported via the first conduit to the radiator. When the radiator is filled to the point where the coolant reaches the overflow opening, excess coolant is transported via the second conduit to the overflow point, thereby indicating an adequate coolant level in the radiator. Thus, the radiator can be readily filled and the coolant level readily checked without gaining access to the radiator itself.

Abstract: A precision measuring apparatus (10, 10') includes a measuring scale (12, 12'), a scanning unit (15, 15') for scanning the scale (12, 12'), and a housing (11, 11') for supporting the scale (12, 12') and the scanning unit (15, 15'). The scanning unit (15, 15') rides on guide surfaces (16, 16', 17, 18) at least some of which are defined by flexible bands (19, 20, 28') that are loosely carried by grooves (21, 22, 29') defined by the walls of the housing (11, 11'). The bands (19, 20, 28') provide a relatively straight and smooth guiding arrangement for the scanning unit (15, 15') and they are preferably made of wear-resistant material such as steel. When the housing (11') is comprised of a plurality of housing sections (31'), the bands (19, 20, 28') are made in one piece and bridge the gap between the housing sections (31' ) without interruption.

Abstract: An improved low-profile inline fluid filter (10), for IV sets and the like, comprises only two discrete units: a shell unit (11) and a screen unit (12). The screen unit (12) is adapted to fit substantially within the shell unit (11) such that the screen unit (12) and the shell unit (11) are connected to each other at both ends.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a sintered electrical contact having a contacting surface defining a plurality of voids is disclosed. The voids contain a corrosion retarding fluid which passes onto the contacting surface upon being worn down upon repeated engagement with a conductive element.

Abstract: A photoelectric measuring apparatus includes a measuring scale and a scanning unit including at least one photosensitive element for generating a scanning signal in response to light incident on the scanned region of the scale. First and second light sources are included, as well as a mechanism for selecting either of the first and second light sources such that light from the selected light sources is directed at the scanned region of the scale. A slider mechanism, a turntable, a movable mirror, or a movable prism can be used to select either the first or second light sources. In addition, a circuit is disclosed which provides separate first and second balancing circuits for the respective light sources, such that rebalancing the measuring instrument is not required when the selecting mechanism is used to select a different light source.

Abstract: A cushion base and ottoman assembly in a recliner. The assembly has a front rail normally with a relatively wide upper surface. A vertically resilient jaw unit is mounted on the upper surface of the front rail, the jaw unit having a fish mouth configuration opening forwardly. Upholstery material is drawn over the cushion base assembly whereby a recess is formed below the jaw unit and in front of the front rail. The ottoman nests in this recess when retracted. When extended the assembly continues to resiliently support a cushion out to its front edge.

Abstract: A calibrating unit for calibrating infusion pumps and the like includes a drop sensor which operates to generate electrical signals in response to the passage of drops through an intravenous set. The calibrating unit operates automatically to count the number of drops sensed by the drop sensor in a measurement interval which can be set to any one of three different durations. At the end of the measurement interval the calibrating unit automatically stops the count. In addition, this calibrating unit includes an optical simulator for driving the drop sensor at a known rate. This optical simulator allows the entire calibrating unit to be checked for accuracy simply and reliably without requiring dripping fluids or the like.

Abstract: An improved projection screen includes a projection lens for projecting a light image on a diffusion plate and apparatus for laterally moving the projection lens relative to the diffusion plate to eliminate undesirable polychromatic shimmer of the projected image. The projection lens may be comprised of two cylindrical Fresnel lenses arranged in stacked relation, with one Fresnel lens having parallel grooves which are arranged in perpendicular relation to parallel grooves of the other Fresnel lens. An alternative embodiment of the invention utilizes a projection lens comprised of a single Fresnel lens having a first set of parallel grooves formed in one of its faces and a second perpendicular set of parallel grooves formed in its opposite face.

Abstract: A device for opening sealed food bags is mounted on the frame of an electric can opener. The device includes a serrated cutter wheel which is driven by the can opener motor. A guide surface on the frame guides the bag as it is being fed through the cutter wheel. A modified form of the invention includes a pair of idler discs which overlap the cutter wheel. In a third form of the invention, the cutter wheel is not driven, and a pivotal lever is used to maintain the bag against the cutter wheel as it is fed manually through the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: An improved body function assistance device is provided wherein a microprocessor controls the response of the device to various external physiological events and internal timer events. The microprocessor is adapted for use with the limited energy supply available from a battery by activating internal logic components of the processor only in response to selected events and to perform an operating routine corresponding to the "wakeup" event. At the end of the operating routine, a new set of wakeup events is selected and the internal logic components are deactivated. A further reduction in the average operating current is obtained by providing a plurality of counting rates to minimize the number of state changes during counting cycles. The microprocessor may be provided with a fixed operating routine or may be provided with the capability of actually introducing program changes in the implanted device.

Abstract: An inductive measuring device comprises a rotor and a stator, each of which has an electrical conductor mounted thereon. Opposed grooves are formed in the conductor side of the stator and the rotor, the slip rings and contact brushes are mounted in respective grooves such that both the slip rings and the contact brushes are mounted internally between the rotor and the stator, thereby protecting the slip ring and brushes from damage and fouling and reducing the size of the measurement device and the need for external adjustment.

Abstract: A mattress cover is provided which includes facing panel and a heat panel overlying at least a portion of the facing panel. The heat panel has an upper section, a backing section, and means for generating heat, the heat generating means being disposed between the upper and backing sections. Also provided is means for fastening the facing panel to the heat panel comprising at least one complementary pair of interlocking members comprising a first and a second locking member, the first locking member being secured to the facing panel, the second locking member being secured to the heat panel, and the first and second locking members being adjustable between an interlocked position, bridging the facing and heat panels, to an open position. The mattress cover is also provided with means for securing the facing panel to a mattress core. Also provided is a mattress construction having a mattress core and a facing panel and having said mattress cover secured to the facing panel.

Abstract: An improved digital photoelectric position measuring device of the type comprising a scale, a scanning unit for generating scanning signals, and an evaluating circuit for evaluating the scanning signals, wherein the scanning unit includes at least one photoelectric circuit comprising a pair of photosensitive elements for generating counterphase scanning signals, and wherein the evaluating circuit includes at least one pulse forming circuit response to the difference of the counterphase scanning signals. The measuring device includes at least one photosensitive element for generating a direct flux signal and a light source for illuminating the photosensitive element. The direct flux signal is applied to at least one photoelectric circuit in order to balance the pair of photosensitive elements independently of the evaluating unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating cheese, preferably cheese offcuts, to form a reconstituted block of cheese. The offcuts are first cut into small chips and then repressed in an evacuated environment to form the reconstituted block of cheese which may then be cut to commercially saleable sizes and packaged.

Abstract: A measuring instrument having a flexible steel measuring scale mounted inside a flanged groove defined by a tubular housing includes a scanning unit, guided along the interior of the housing to scan the scale, and a magnet, mounted on the scanning unit. The magnet acts to pull the steel scale towards the scanning unit, into contact with the flanges of the groove. The spacing between the scanning unit and the flanges is precisely controlled and, therefore, the magnet provides precise control over the spacing between the scale and the scanning unit.

Abstract: A microwave coffee making apparatus (10), adapted for use in a microwave oven to heat water (66), has a water reservoir (12) with at least one aperture (49) near the bottom thereof, a coffee grounds basket (13) positioned to receive water from at least one water reservoir aperture (49), a pitcher (11) positioned to receive brewed coffee (17) from the coffee grounds basket (13), and a manually operated valve means (14) located adjacent the at least one water reservoir aperture (49) to control draining of the water reservoir (12) into the coffee grounds basket (13). To brew coffee (17) with this coffee making apparatus (10), the water reservoir (12) is filled with the desired amount of water (66), a measured amount of coffee grounds (37) is placed in the coffee grounds basket (13), the flow of water (66) from the water reservoir (12) is initiated by opening the valve (14), and microwave energy is applied to the coffee making apparatus (10) to heat the water.