Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a laser delivery device used during a surgical procedure by securing the laser delivery device to a surgeon's hand is defined by a finger mounting portion for securing at least one laser delivery device to at least one of the surgeon's fingers, and laser delivery device guide attached to the finger mounting portion for directing laser energy from the distal end of the laser delivery means. The finger mounting portion has at least one ring portion for removably encircling the surgeon's finger(s). Embodiments of the guide orient the laser delivery device either axially or trans-axially at a predetermined angle. The guide may be tubular with a preselected curvature, or tubular and adjustable so as to orient the laser delivery device into a plurality of positions. A locking mechanism couples the laser delivery device to the guide and rotating the guide may orient the laser delivery means into a plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: An ultra-high, hermetically sealed optical mounting assembly for sealing a fragile optical element includes a lid portion defining a thin, bendable flange spring member to gradually and evenly apply a relatively low sealing load at a knife edge for grasping the optical element. A base portion defining a substantially non-bendable, mating flange surface defines a mating base, knife edge. A deformable metallic gasket is interposed between both knife edges and the optical element. An engineered gap between the opposed lid and base flanges and a second, optional gap between the lid and base nearest the window are used to control the amount of spring forces and the amount of compression on the window.

Abstract: An improved front suspension for a bicycle includes lower swing arms, upper swing arms and hub plates connected to the front forks in a substantially rhomboidal arrangement, and communicating with a shock absorber through a stabilizer tube, wherein the geometries of the trapezoid are balanced to provide substantially the same trail through the travel of the suspension.

Abstract: A mounting plate for detachably fixing a heavy duty, normally permanently attached, swivelling base plate caster roller unit to an object to be transported is cut from an extrusion shaped to form a flat bottom plate with raised parallel sides each including an overhanging flange such that parallel grooves are provided into which the caster's swiveling base plate can slide. Attachment of the mounting plate to the transportable object utilizes at least two mounting pins (screws, bolts or rivets), at least one of which protrudes from the mounting plate inside surface to form a stop to prevent the swivel plate from sliding all the way through. A spring loaded button, which becomes flush with the mounting plate when depressed, allows the caster swivel plate to enter the cavity provided by the parallel extruded grooves and the protruding mounting stop.

Abstract: A stop-frame animation apparatus and method includes making a series of drawings representing the desired poses for the a three-dimensional object to be animated. The drawings are sequentially viewed by a first television camera which relays the image of the drawings onto a television monitor. The monitor simultaneously displays an image of the three-dimensional object to be animated from a second television camera. A semi-transparent mirror is used to divert a portion of the light from the three-dimensional object that is directed toward a motion picture camera to the second television camera. The two television cameras are synchronized by a common sync generator so that the two videos are properly mixed and the corresponding two images are superimposed in a proper spatial relationship. One then uses the mixing of the two images displayed simultaneously on the single monitor to position the object so that it conforms to the drawing seen on the television monitor.

Abstract: An electron beam source assembly includes a water cooled crucible positioned substantially flush with the top of the block. A magnet is attached to each long sides of the rectangular block to establish parallel opposed pole magnets with the crucible therebetween. A smaller magnet is attached to each end of each longitudinal magnet to form a second and a third parallel magnet pair. The six magnets produce plano-convex magnetic field lines above the crucible, and additional plano-convex field lines of increased field strength extending outwardly from the end of the block having the four magnets. A magnetic base plate provides a low reluctance path to decrease magnetic flux at the crucible.

Abstract: An attachment for the majority of conventional vacuum cleaners and reversible blower devices for collecting lightweight, loose-fill packaging materials for disposal or reuse includes two, nesting sections. The first section, when used alone, releasably attaches over the bin or the body of a portable, hand held vacuum cleaner. An inlet end defines an irregular collection edge to aid in preventing entry of dust and extraneous, heavier materials. A one-way, hinged door defining perforations allows air to enter to move previously collected packaging material away prior to opening of the door to admit additional packaging material. For full sized vacuum cleaners, the first section removably mounts through an aperture formed in an end wall of a larger receptacle having a universal coupler for attachment to the hose or hose coupler of the majority of full sized vacuum cleaners. The first section may be made larger and used alone to attach to a full sized vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A hair replacement device is constructed from hollow, polyurethane tubing reinforced with copper wire to prevent stretching and to allow the device to be molded, and re-molded, to conform to the contours of the scalp. The copper wire is coated with a flesh color substance. The device defines a peripheral segment and longitudinal and lateral tubing intertwined and glued at intersecting areas to form a generally basket shaped device. Hair is conventionally attached to the plastic tubing, and a skin panel insert may be added where desired. The hair of an individual may be draw through the open framework and blended with the hair attached to the device.

Abstract: A software driven, timing dependant method for entering alphanumerical characters using a conventional push button telephone system having automatic response functions is based upon the position (first, second or third) of each alphabetic letter upon each key of the standardized telephone keypad matrix. DTMF signals are generated following the pressing of a key to identify the key pressed and thereby generate a sequential message menu for that particular key. The key is pressed a predetermined number of times (once, twice, or three times) to select the desired letter, and the letter signals are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities. The first, second and third messages on each key each consist of a silence interval segment of known length followed by, respectively, a first, second and third letter interval segment of known length.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for selectively varying the load to a photodetector such as a phototransistor which forms part of a photosource/photodetector pair and for selectively using to advantage or compensating for the parasitic capacitance of the photodetector to permit reductions in power, conversion of fixed signal thresholds to software controlled digital hysteresis, automatic adjustment and compensation for unmatched photosources and associated photodetectors, and adjustment of fixed voltage thresholds.

Abstract: Apparatus for a sequential continuous vapor deposition process provides a plurality of physically separated process environments in a single reactor vessel. A substrate mounting plate within the reactor vessel movably positions a substrate mounted thereon sequentially between the plurality of separated process environments. Each of the process environments are defined by a gas emitter structure for emitting a predetermined gas from a source thereof to the environment adjacent to the substrate when it is moved into position adjacent thereto and an exhaust structure through which the gas flows from the environment. A substrate positioning structure movably positions the substrate mounting plate so that the substrate is thereby sequentially passed through each one of the process environments.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for adjustable correction of varus and valgus conditions includes an orthotic having at least one attachment device thereon together with a plurality of mating posts having varying degrees of correction for forefoot and rearfoot attachment. In some instances the orthotic is formed as part of a shoe.

Abstract: A light electric dental flosser with a rechargeable battery compartment includes a motor casing, interchangeably individualized head units, and disposable plastic floss tips that snap mount within the hinged end of the head unit. The floss tips exhibit bidirectional flossing motion provided from a motion translation system including an eccentric cam, a yoke, and an output shaft with a cam follower mechanism that follows a generally Z-shaped tracking surface with a vertical track component and a horizontal track component enabled by the yoke to complete the resulting "Z" movement. The floss tips have a molded-in filament and are molded from a shock absorbing substance which absorbs the vertical component of the "Z" shaped motion upon the application of pressure to the filament thereby outputting horizontal motion until the filament passes through the contact area between two teeth.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of the invention create a movable paper machine threading tail that can be shifted away from the front ends of downstream rolls, thereafter to be widened symmetrically from a central position of the machine. Embodiments of the improvement comprise two independently traversable cutting assemblies mounted on one or more transverse service beams. Each cutting assembly comprises a traversing carriage upon which is mounted an appropriate web cutting device. Carriage positioning and cut activation are controlled in a way that one of said tools replaces the machine's somewhat permanently positioned front deckle squirt in defining the front most edge of a threading tail. Apparatus of the improvement also provide the means of creating and removing a sample from a main web without interrupting the path of the web through the machine thereby avoiding the need to re-thread following sampling procedures.

Abstract: A modular computer chassis with passive backplane is provided for a personal computer system with a plurality of open-ended and vertically or horizontally interconnectable bays, or a single case with bays, for slidably receiving component trays each having a printed double sided bus direction adaptor board with a bus connector at one end and a female bus connector mounted to the top surface for attaching an expansion card parallel to the board. The end bus connector extends through the back wall of the tray to connect to a female bus connector on a passive backplane connector board attached to the back of the chassis. The adaptor board converts the established bus connection between the card and female bus connector 90 degrees to the bus connector at the rear of the tray. A front cover, or individual tray covers, cover the front of the chassis as a locking and security mechanism.

Abstract: A plastic perforative spout for dispensing substances through a sidewall of a plastic container includes a unitary rigid plastic, preferably teflon or polyethylene, perforation element with a protective cap, a dispensing valve removably attached to the perforation element, and an accessory circular adaptor for rounded containers. The plastic cutting element extends from a hollow shank surrounding an opening in a flange portion of a hollow tubular body. Two intersecting cross ribs are formed inside the shank, and a vertical rib extends from the intersection of the cross-ribs to the point of the radius cut semi-circular cutting element. The plastic dispenser is removably attached over the tubular body, and a boss is pressed to displace the flexible concave valve to dispense the container contents through the mouth of the dispenser. A snap lock holds the valve open if desired. The circular adaptor fits over the shank and defines a concave surface for mounting flush against a curved surface.