Abstract: A gas bearing system for use in a turbocompressor or similar device that embodies a uniquely configured thrust washer or disk that exhibits superior strength characteristics when the disk is rotated at high speed. The thrust washer is a generally circular-shaped disk, has a predetermined diameter and comprises a body portion having spaced apart faces and a generally “V” shaped groove formed intermediate the spaced-apart faces to define a pair of radially outwardly extending segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sewn article fabrication wherein the article components are strategically imprinted with processing information using an ink that when irradiated is readable by an operator as well as by strategically located sensors. The printed components are then moved through a sewn goods manufacturing process wherein the indicia is detected and used as reference points to accomplish various manufacturing steps, such as cutting, folding, stitching, and relative positioning of garment components. The ink that is used to imprint the processing information is either invisible or substantially invisible to the naked eye, but becomes readable under exciting radiation such as ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An improved, multifunction office furniture system having a novel interlocking connecting mechanism which permits the easy assembly of a variety of different structural components in a variety of different configurations to form highly efficient work areas. The system includes uniquely configured, vertical support columns to which a number of different types of structural components can be quickly and easily connected and provides a highly versatile work station system which is very attractive, is easy to assembly, disassemble and adjust, and yet, is structurally sound and durable in use. Because of its novel construction, the system is capable of readily accommodating changing work conditions in the users' facilities.

Abstract: An adjustable headrest that provides both support and comfort to the user and one that can be used in connection with furniture including household and office furniture and also in connection with various types of passenger vehicles. The headrest and also includes slide means for permitting easy height adjustment of the headrest and also includes locking means for securely locking the headrest in a desired elevated position. Further, the headrest includes easily adjustable, wing-like, side-support members that are pivotally connected to a centrally located, vertically adjustable head support member by means of constant torque hinges and also includes easily adjustable chin support members that are pivotally connected to the side support members by means of constant torque hinges.

Abstract: A hanging display device for displaying pairs of shoes in a side-by-side relationship. The device includes spaced-apart resiliently deformable legs that can be conveniently inserted into the foot-receiving cavities of the shoes in a manner to support the shoes in a hanging relationship. The device also includes a center member that is disposed between the shoes and carries at one end a hook-like member that can be emplaced over a peg or hook provided on a display board. A display panel is affixed to the center member which spans the top of the shoes and provides ample space for displaying product information and promotional material.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder stored energy type infusion apparatus that can be filled with a medicinal fluid and, after being filled, can efficiently delivery the medicinal fluid to the patient at a selected rate. The apparatus includes a delivery component for delivering medicinal fluid to the patient and a fill component that can expeditiously be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the delivery component in the field.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and dispensing whipped soft drinks, hot chocolate and beverages which does not use mechanical whipping such as rotating blades, but rather accomplishes the whipping of the mixture of syrup and water used to produce the beverage by intermixing within a vented mixing chamber intersecting streams of syrup and water that are directed toward the intersection point under pressure. The apparatus embodies solenoid valves to control the flow of syrup and water into the mixing chamber of the apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for infusing medicinal fluids at a precisely controlled rate which includes adapter sleeve means for insuring that only a proper medicament can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the apparatus. More particularly, the apparatus includes a unique polarity adapter that will mate only with a particular delivery device and positively prevent filling the reservoir of the device with a medicament that is incompatible with the delivery profile of the device. In one form of the invention, the polarity adapter includes a novel double-ended cannula that is carried within the polarity adapter and controls filling of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A personal medical dictation system that can be easily and conveniently used to capture and preserve audio information. The system includes a specially designed portable, hand-held recording component that is of a small size, but yet is capable of storing at least one hour of actual dictation in compressed form and a cooperating dictation receiver that functions to automatically transfer the recorded data to a central processing area. The hand-held recording component can be expeditiously, mechanically, and electrically transmitted to the central processing area for transcription. The dictation receiver component also automatically recharges the batteries of the hand-held recording unit.

Abstract: Specially designed articles of furniture for use in conference and office settings which include a plurality of uniquely configured supporting legs, one or more article support structures disposed centrally of the supporting legs and a novel connector member for interconnecting the support structures of the legs. The connector member also enables the quick and easy interconnection of the polygonal panels that make up certain of the article support structures of the apparatus. The articles of furniture can be used to support and transport a wide variety of devices such as audio and video equipment, slide projectors, overhead projectors and the like.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder stored energy type infusion apparatus that can be filled with a medicinal fluid and, after being filled, can efficiently deliver the medicinal fluid to the patient at a selected rate. The apparatus includes a delivery component for delivering medicinal fluid to the patient and a fill component that can expeditiously be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the delivery component in the field.

Abstract: A delivery device for the administration of nutrients, drugs, vitamins, trace elements and the like to a ruminant. The device embodies a thermal expanding polymer material which, when heated by the animal's body heat functions as an internal energy source for controllably expelling the beneficial agents from the device over extended period of time of up to 200 days. The device is of a size and shape that can be introduced into the ruminant via the esophagus and is of a density such that the device will be retained within the reticulo-rumen of the animal for the effective controlled release of the beneficial agents to the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a fill assembly comprising a prefilled vial that can be used to fill the fluid reservoir of the device with a selected medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A thrust control system for use with a turbocompressor having gas bearings. More specifically, the system concerns an arrangement of gas bearings for use in a turbocompressor or other device where a large temperature difference between the turbine and the compressor housing could cause unacceptable performance of the turbocompressor thrust bearings if located in proximity of the turbine and compressor wheels. This danger is obviated in the system by relocating the gas thrust bearings so as to minimize the axial distance between them. This configuration affords the additional advantage that gasses of different composition may be separately used as a seal gas in cases where the process gas in the turbine and compressor are incompatible.