Abstract: An electro-conductive ceramic comprising a non-electroconductive matrix ceramic, an electro-conductive ceramic in relatively large proportion to permit efficient electro-discharge machining (EDM) of the ceramic and ceramic whiskers of low aspect ratio and short length dispersed in the ceramic body to provide high fracture toughness, stength and hardness despite the relatively large proportion of electro-conductive ceramic. Complex geometries and features such as holes, chamfers, slots, angles, changing radii an complex curves can be electro-discharge machined into the ceramic body after hot processing or hot-isostatic pressing to achieve maximum density and mechanical properties. A particularly advantageous high temperature extrusion die, powder metal compacting die hardware and cutting tools formed of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiC and SiC whiskers have been produced and tested.

Abstract: A fluid control valve of "Wheatstone Bridge" arrangement for use with electrorheological fluids comprises a plurality of channel plates and printed circuit board plates alternatingly stacked together. Electrodes are printed on the printed circuit board plates to form walls on sides of channels formed in the channel plates. Holes piercing the printed circuit board plates are so located as to permit the flow of fluid through the printed circuit board plates from channel plate to channel plate at specific locations thereby causing the flow of fluid through a "Wheatstone Bridge" arrangement. Electric activation of selected electrodes cause the flow of fluid in channels between the selected electrodes to become exceedingly viscous or "freeze" and thereby close selected portions of the "Wheatstone Bridge". In the most common arrangement closure of parallel valves cause flow through the cross arm of the "Wheatstone Bridge" and actuation of an hydraulic device connected into the cross arm.

Abstract: A fish hook remover comprises a long slender body with a convenient hand grip at one end and a tapered trough leading to a tip at the other end. The tip end includes a notch at the bottom of the trough with the curving tips to either side of the notch shaped to prevent damage to the mouth and throat flesh of the fish. The tips are doubled curved, each with a substantially semi-circular and semi-elliptical form to prevent the tips from catching on the flesh as the remover is guided down to the hook and the hook is extracted.

Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs on one of a pair of complementary fittings in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove on the other fitting adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs engage the polygonal groove and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs. The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads or capture device.

Abstract: Swimming goggles or mask having a soft or flexible water excluding peripheral seal and sealant applied to the seal to further enhance the ability of the seal to prevent leakage of water between the seal and the facial skin of the swimmer. The sealant is applied in a thin coating to the seal just prior to placement of the goggles or mask on the face. The sealant comprises a very viscous silicone with a silica filler that is temperature stable, non-smearing, chemically inert and non-irritating to the skin.

Abstract: A method and on board apparatus to recycle gasoline vapor emissions from the head space of a motor vehicle gasoline tank during refueling and operation of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a canister to collect and store gasoline vapor from the head space and a vapor fan and sparger combination to retrieve vapor driven from the canister during a heating cycle and to dissolve the vapor in the liquid gasoline in the tank. The canister includes an adsorbent to separate the vapor from air and a vent valve to release air from the canister. Inside the canister is a ceramic heater, a temperature sensor and an adsorbed vapor sensor. A water drain permits condensed moisture to be released from the canister. The sparger comprises a microscopically porous body having a plurality of relatively large blind passages therein, the sparger body being entirely immersed in the liquid gasoline.

Abstract: In a spark ignition or compression ignition four cycle internal combustion engine, an exhaust expansion chamber is sized to produce a reflected exhaust pressure wave timed to an auxiliary reopening of the exhaust valve after the intake valve has effectively closed. The reflected exhaust pressure wave causes the re-entry into the cylinder of a quantity of intake charge (which has previously been drawn into the expansion chamber) subsequent to the effective filling of the cylinder through the intake valve, the result being a boost in cylinder charge and pressure on the compression stroke of the piston. At engine design speed, the power output of the engine is substantially improved over the power output without the boost in cylinder charge and in compression stroke pressure. The particular exhaust expansion chambers and valve re-opening timing is adaptable to single and multiple cylinder four cycle engines.

Abstract: A generally flat oblong clip pierced by a pair of countersunk oblong holes and a slot open to one of the longer edges. The slot and a terminating half-round hole are beveled and countersunk respectively from the opposite side of the clip. The junctures of the bevels and half-round countersink are specifically formed to provide a locking shoulder on each side of the half-round hole. Multiple clips are used to provide a blind fastening between a backsplash and countertop enabling the backsplash to be driven into permanent substantially watertight engagement with the countertop. The step by step installation of the clips assures that the backsplash also follows gentle curvatures in the building wall behind the backsplash. The clip slots are configured to tightly engage and latch mating screw heads as the backsplash is driven into position.

Abstract: An upper rail for large curtainside truck-trailers comprises a double vertical web structure joined at the top by a horizontal plate that extends beyond the outer web to the outside of the trailer roof anad beyond the inner web for increased support of the roof sheets. Simultaneous with providing the trolley way for the curtainside trolleys, the double vertical web provides the necessary stiffness and load carrying capacity within a 3 inch depth, top to bottom, rail for a 48 foot truck trailer.

Abstract: An improved inflatable warning sign having a flashing light contained within the sign and a magnetic base to retain the sign to the roof or truck lid of a disabled vehicle. The sign as inflated is a prismatic triangele to maximize the visible rectangular area for lettering and minimize the wind resistance.In the preferred embodiment the light within the sign is red and the inflated bag is white with black lettering. The white bag disperses the red light within evenly, thus permitting much more effective use of a single incandescent bulb within a translucent red covered box. Deflated, a sign with an inflated lettering area of 8 by 17 inches folds into a package or pouch that easily fits within the glove box of an automobile.

Abstract: A piezoelectric or ferroelectric stress sensing material in intimate electrical communication with an electroluminescent material produces light at an amplitude dependent on the stress applied to the stress sensing material. The light signal is transmitted from the electroluminescent material by fiber optic cable to an optical signal detector. In the preferred embodiments the electroluminescent material comprises a light emitting diode as a small electrical short circuit load across two otherwise insulated faces of a piezoelectric or ferroelectric element. The embodiments include a composite stress sensing and electroluminescent material, separate stress sensing and electroluminescent materials joined by conductive film, foil or wire and additional means to bias, amplify and control the optical signal produced by the electroluminescent material and transmitted by the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A roof ventilation baffle comprising a pleated or corrugated membrane forming a plurality of air passages. The baffle is installed between the underside of the roof sheathing and the upper surface of fiberglass insulation bats with the pleats parallel to the rafters or roof joists to provide ventilation, along the underside of the roof sheathing. The ventilation baffle is also applicable to outside walls and floors over unheated or uncooled spaces. The baffle may be perforated to provide air flow between the air passages formed by the pleats and to permit any moisture trapped in the insulation to evaporate into and be removed by the air flow through the channels.

Abstract: A blow molded bottle comprising oblong depressions in opposed major sides of the bottle, the bottom of the oblong depressions being joined at the center of the bottle. Extending from the major axes ends of the oblong depressions is a single depressed rib circumferentially extending about the bottle. The joined oblong depressions and circumferential rib substantially increase the rigidity of the major sides of the bottle allowing a substantial decrease in bottle wall thickness and attendant material weight.

Abstract: New disability testing and evaluation software combined with an isometric strength testing machine provides a very complete and standardized means of determining disability in comparison with the norms of the general population. The software utilizes not only the machine but also the digitization of photographs taken of the subject person during each strength test. Combining the digitized photographic data, the force monitor information from the load cell of the machine and extensive anthropomorphic data the software calculates for loading of the weakest joint in the subject person and compares this loading to normative values from the general population. In this manner a percentage disability for a subject person can be calculated with reasonable assurance of the validity and reproducibility of the result. New specialized hand grips for an isometric strength testing machine are disclosed to test grip strength and torsional strength of the hand.

Abstract: A semi-truck trailer gooseneck assembly comprises a single curved plate extending transversely between and beyond the twin parallel longitudinal girders to form a single lower flange. The curved plate extends from the assembly supporting the floor over the fifth wheel and connecting the king pin to the trailer. The rear portion of the curved plate extends to the horizontal flat lower flanges of the twin girders extending substantially the length of the trailer. The result is a structure of increased strength and moment of inertia permitting the web depth of the gooseneck to be substantially decreased.The rear corner post comprises a two piece welded assembly wherein the major section is substantially an elongated "S" and the minor section "L" shaped. The shapes are welded together to form a hollow center portion and a pocket portion. The "L" section forms a contact for the rear door and the pocket engages the curtain to enable the curtain to be fully tightened when closed.

Abstract: A closure or cap for containers, bottles and jars having a circumferential groove formed by opposed conical surfaces of substantially equal size in the relaxed condition and upon compression of the closure forming a substantially toroidal circumferential groove. On a container sealed with the closure compressed, expansion of the circumferential groove to the relaxed condition indicates failure of the seal or generation of gases within the container. In an alternate embodiment the circumferential conical surfaces form a V-shaped circumferential protrusion in the relaxed condition and a toroidal protrusion in the compressed condition. In another embodiment the circumferential juncture between the conical surfaces and the closure sidewall is modified to reduce the flexure between the compressed and expanded conditions thereby permitting a wider variety of materials to be used for the closures.