Abstract: A new snowmobile jack that does not require the hands or fingers of the user to be anywhere near the jack when raising and lowering the snowmobile. The jack comprises a T-bar that moves telescopically vertically to support a rear handle/tow bar on a snowmobile. A mechanical linkage operated by a first foot pedal raises and lowers the T-bar. A second mechanical device on the jack includes a positive latch operated by a second foot pedal. The latch positively prevents the first foot pedal and linkage from lowering the T-bar. Both foot pedals must be simultaneously depressed to release the latch and allow the T-bar to descend. The simultaneous action with two feet makes very unlikely any inadvertent lowering of the jack and obviates the need for the user to reach down to the jack with the hands.

Abstract: The knit line strength and other packing related properties both aesthetic and functional of injection molded polymeric products is improved by equipping the mold with packing pins. The packing pins are similar in construction to mold ejector pins and may also be mold ejector pins depending on mold configuration. The packing pins are sequentially actuated during or after filling of the mold to cause flow of plastic either transverse or parallel to the direction of flow in a to and from manner. The result is a kneading action in the viscous flow and an oriented layering effect in the solidified plastic much like a scarf joint at the knit line location. The irregular shape of the layers enhances the mechanical strength at the knit line in addition to increasing the likelihood that long chain molecules will re-entangle between the two melt flows at the knit line.

Abstract: A new skin vibrator converts simple or complex electrical waveforms into simple or complex mechanical waveforms or vibrations that are applied to the skin and underlying tissues for therapy or pleasure. The complex waveforms may be completely random in response to the output of a random electrical noise generator, or non-random but complex in response to music or speech. In effect, random acoustic vibrations or speech or musical vibrations are induced in the skin and underlying tissues. The vibrator comprises an oblong hollow body having a solenoidal motor mounted inside. The solenoid is partially damped at both extremes of its stroke to buffer the impact within the vibrator and thereby soften the vibration. Wires extend from the vibrator for connection with a signal generator, audio amplifier or other source of the electrical waveforms.

Abstract: An additive for machine tool coolants, generally water-based coolants, to eliminate static electricity, foam and inhibit rust, causes contaminants to settle-out in the coolant and thereby be more easily removed from the coolant return tank bottoms. The composition of the additive comprises glycerin, propylene glycol, Butyl Cellosolve®, Igepal CO-43O™ and borax in suitable proportions.

Abstract: A new plug is formed with a diametrical slot in the interior threaded end and an axial through hole. A spring unit is positioned in the through hole and slot. The spring unit is formed with a diametral slot that extends from the interior end of the plug well down into the post portion of the spring unit and therefore into the through hole. The spring unit is assembled to the plug prior to heat treatment of the spring unit. Fixturing of the spring unit determines the spring rate of the unit and, in combination with the fit of the spring unit in the slot and through hole, the amount of live contact of the unit with the threads of the hole into which the plug is to be threaded. The holding torque of the plug is thereby determined. The new plug eliminates the present need for external capture devices or stainless steel wires through holes in the plug exterior in aircraft applications.

Abstract: A new bracket comprises a single piece of rod bent at the outboard end to provide a device for hanging a flower pot or other item. At the inboard or baluster end the rod is shaped by a series of four perpendicular bends. The length of the rod between the first and second bends and the length of the rod between the third and fourth bends are substantially the same and determined by the width of the baluster transverse to the bracket. The length of the rod between the second and third bends is determined by both the thickness of the baluster and the angle of the bracket relative to the vertical direction of the baluster. To remain in position the bracket relies upon friction with the baluster in combination with the weight of the bracket and load on the bracket outboard end.

Abstract: An instrument to detect the presence of live microorganisms is described. The instrument is capable of providing simultaneous optical readings of multiple test vials containing different samples. Spectral variations due to metabolic activity of microorganisms are continuously recorded. An automated calibration scheme compensates for the parametric differences among the test vial locations.

Abstract: A new hold-down or retention device comprises a pair of vertical standards bolted or otherwise attached to the cargo bed of a pick-up truck. Preferably, the standards are located near to the cab end of the cargo bed but spaced therefrom. A cross-member is adjustably attached to the standards and extends therebetween. By placing one end of a long object such as a ladder or scaffold plank under the cross-member and adjusting the cross-member down to retain the object to the bed, the object is easily tightly retained to the truck cargo bed even when the object is three or more times the length of the cargo bed.

Abstract: A building system comprised of panelized, modified rhombic triacontahedral structures further comprised of panels continuously connected along their edges by connectors whose profiles allow panels to swing, snap or slide together into strong, insulated buildings and unfasten for easy disassembly and re-use as temporary housing, storage, emergency shelter, work-camp and vacation homes. Vertical walls allow structures to be nested or mated together and allow use of standard doors, windows and fixtures. The connector is formed from extruded or cast plastic or aluminum, or formed steel. Carbon fiber reinforced resin may be used for specialized uses. The connector allows the use of a variety of standard manufacture laminated panels. The basic structure is comprised of ten identical wall panels and ten almost-identical roof panels joined by use of 35, 144° edge connectors. A minimum tripartite inventory, each of identical, easily mass produced parts, provides ease of production, shipping and assembly.

Abstract: Spark plug (20) integrated fiber optic combustion pressure sensors (30, 36) are configured to decrease heat and fatigue damage to the critical diaphragm (40) and fiber tip (37). A cup-shaped diaphragm (40) having non-uniform thickness reduces stress on the diaphragm and increases the reliability of the sensor. The effects of overpressure on the sensor are reduced by providing an angled portion (42) on the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical pressure sensor assembly integrated with a spark plug (16) and spark plug boot (12). The pressure sensor comprises an optical fiber (34) with a pressure diaphragm (36) at the tip to sense pressure and pressure changes within the combustion chamber (32) of a spark ignition engine. A channel (30) is provided in the spark plug to hold the sensor. The diaphragm (36) of the sensor is located closer to the spark electrode than to the electric conductor which is encased by the boot (12). The optical fiber (34) is contained within a shaft that is routed through the boot (12) and into the channel (30). The optical fiber (34) is operatively and electrically connected to the vehicle's engine controller. The opto-electric connection to the vehicle's engine controller is made adjacent a coil (72) in the boot (12) or removed from the coil (72). The fiber (34) is surrounded by a nonmetallic shaft (22) outside the engine. Inside the spark plug (16), the shaft is metallic.

Abstract: A new sewing and quilting finger tip protective device comprises a thin metal or hard plastic disc formed into a portion of a spherical shell. A double-sided adhesive pad is removably adhered to the concave surface of the shell whereby upon application of the concave surface and pad to a finger tip, the hard shell protects against needle penetration of the skin. The shell is sized to effectively cover that portion of the finger tip most likely to be pricked by a needle when quilting. Because the shell's shape effectively conforms to the finger tip portion to be protected, the shell acts as a hard skin without substantially increasing the size of user's finger tip.

Abstract: A new cutting height gage for accurately setting the cutting height on greens mowers or other precision type mowers comprises a straight flat bar with a dial indicator at one end, a shouldered pin moveable perpendicular to the bar and a mechanism extending horizontally underneath the bar to transmit pin vertical movement to the dial indicator. When properly positioned the shouldered pin engages the cutter bar of the mower and the dial indicator is easily viewable from above the mower without significantly raising the mower or removing the cutting unit from the mower.

Abstract: A rotary internal combustion engine comprises a pair of rotors having a plurality of vanes that intermesh and are located in a single stationary chamber. A central intake conduit provides fresh air upstream of the intermeshing vanes. The air is compressed into a combustion volume wherein the air stream divides and fuel is injected into each air stream. An ignitor in each combustion volume causes the fuel air mixture to combust and expand against the vanes of the rotors. The spent mixture of each stream exhausts through a separate conduit. A portion of the fresh air is trapped between the vanes of each rotor and therefore bypasses the combustion volume. This fresh air remixes with the burning fuel air mixture to provide a lean burn as the gases expand against the vanes and then exhaust. The intermeshing vanes are sized to provide very close proximity of vane tips to roots without physical contact to thereby provide a substantially sealing engagement without rubbing.

Abstract: A pass-through duodenal enteroscopic device utilizes the natural contraction wave of the small intestine to propel the device through the small intestine at about the same speed as any other object therein. The exterior of the device is streamlined over the greater portion thereof with a video camera and illumination source at the forward end of the device. Covering the camera lens and illumination source is a transparent inflatable balloon adapted to gently expand the small intestine immediately forward the camera for better viewing. A small diameter communication and power cable is wound within the device and unwinds through an aperture in the rear of the device as the device moves through the small intestine. Upon completion of movement through the small intestine the cable is automatically separated from the device permitting the cable to be withdrawn through the stomach and intestine. The device continues through the large intestine and passes from the patient through the rectum.