Abstract: Driving power for a vibrating device is provided at less than full level when the device is initially used. Power is gradually increased in successive steps after a selected number of uses in each step until full power is achieved. Also, a battery-energized driving signal for a vibrating device has a selected characteristic, such as duty cycle, which is set initially at less than an optimum value, when the battery is at full strength. As the battery discharges, the selected characteristic is adjusted toward optimum so as to compensate for reduction in the battery voltage and ensure full power output.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a plurality of engine cylinders with pistons which have a path of revolution therein. The one piston which is past a top dead center of its revolution at the beginning of the starting process is identified. Compressed air, at approximately 70 lb. pressure, is injected into the cylinder of that piston, forcing the piston to move such that the next piston in the firing order comes to past a top dead center position. At the same time, an ignition pulse is applied to the cylinder of the one piston for igniting any fuel which may be left in the cylinder and, in addition, fuel is injected into the fourth cylinder in the firing order from said cylinder with the one piston. This occurs for successive pistons until the engine starts.

Abstract: The apparatus is worn by a user and includes means for automatically scanning the bladder of the user with ultrasound signals. The returning signals are used to calculate the volume of urine in the bladder and also to calculate the actual surface area of the bladder. The theoretical surface area of a spherical bladder having the said calculated volume is then determined. A surface area index (SAI) is then determined as follows: ##EQU1## The SAI value is an indication of the roundness of the bladder and hence the pressure within the bladder.

Abstract: The system first identifies the existence of a fault involving ground using the phase angle difference between negative sequence and zero sequence current on the power line. Phase angle differences within three specific ranges provide an indication of the presence of particular faults. Once a particular fault has been identified, such as a BC-to-ground fault, the fault condition is monitored to determine if the fault evolves, such as to a C-to-ground fault from the BC-to-ground fault. If an evolution is recognized, the protective relay is reset so as to coordinate its operation with downstream protective elements for the evolved fault.

Abstract: A DC monitoring system is provided in each protective relay in an electric power substation to detect DC grounds on the DC supply system. The DC monitoring system includes a first portion which indicates the presence of a DC ground. In a second portion of the system, the voltages at the contact inputs of the relay are recognized and compared against a standard voltage value range. An indication is provided when the recognized voltage is within said range. The combination of the indications from the first and second portions is useful in determining the location of DC grounds in the substation DC supply system.

Abstract: A tensioning system for use in a retensionable frame used in silk screening wherein the fabric is precut and bordered with splines such that the appropriate tension is predetermined. A wrench including indicia to assure proper placement upon the tensioning hex extension is provided with a stop which assures appropriate tension.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for allowing the operator of a plunge router to make accurate mortising or doweling cuts in a workpiece and more particularly to allow dowel holes or mortises to be executed in pieces of wood which are to be secured together. The apparatus comprises a base plate having adjustable lateral guides flanking an opening in the base for allowing the passage of a router bit. Removably securable to the base plate is a reversible member or gate including adjustable end guides such that removal and reversal of the gate member permits the user to perform an identical mirror image operation on the second of two workpieces to be matched.

Abstract: The glove includes a glove body having first and second regions, the first region including approximately the front half of the glove including the front half of all the fingers and all of the thumb region, the first region having a rubber-like softened PVC surface layer which is waterproof and otherwise has characteristics to improve the catching of a football. The second region, which comprises the rear half of the glove, except for the thumb, is made from a material which is stretchable and breathable. A tightening strap is provided at the lower end of the glove on the second region thereof.

Abstract: The engine mount system for racing karts includes two separate spaced mounts, each of which is secured on two spaced support rails of the kart's chassis frame. Each of the mounts includes arcuate portions in a lower surface thereof which are configured to fit around a portion of the spaced rails. Retainer portions connect to a bottom surface of each mount and secure the mounts to the rails. One mount includes two upright connecting members which extend upwardly from an upper surface of a base portion of the mount, the connecting members being offset somewhat from the centerline of the mount. The other mount includes a U-shaped connecting member which extends from an upper surface of the base portion of the mount, the U-shaped member also being offset from the centerline of the base portion. The U-shaped member and the spaced connecting members both include openings therethrough which permit connection of those members to the engine.

Abstract: A brushhead for a toothbrush having a particular bristle configuration which includes a plurality of bristle tufts arranged in three columns and nine rows, wherein the distal end two adjacent rows and the proximal end two adjacent rows and an intermediate row have longer bristles than the remaining bristle tuft rows. The distal, intermediate and proximal bristle tuft rows all have pointed tips (in the lateral direction) and beveled outside edges at the top portion thereof. The shorter bristle tuft rows also have beveled outside edges. The shorter bristle tuft rows between the distal and intermediate rows have angled top surfaces in addition to the beveled outside edges.

Abstract: The system impedance ratio (SIR) is determined for the original zone 1 distance element reach of a protective relay. The reduction in the original zone 1 reach is then determined, using the SIR value and a known table of reduced values. When a fault is recognized the minimum reach to just detect the fault is determined. A trip signal is provided without any delay if the minimum reach is less than or equal to the reduced reach. The trip is delayed for a selected time if the minimum reach is greater than the reduced reach but not greater than the original reach.

Abstract: Transrectal ultrasound is used for accurate planning and targeting of placement of radioactive seeds by needles into the prostate in transperineal prostate brachytherapy. The pubic arch formed by the union of the pelvic bones is a potential barrier to passage of the needles containing the radioactive seeds. An initial image of the pubic arch is also provided by transrectal ultrasound, in addition to a transverse cross-sectional image of the prostate. The initial image of the pubic arch is processed using a technique to selectively enhance the contrast of the linear features of the edge of the ultrasound image. The enhanced image is then thresholded via the use of a percentile thresholding technique and then a curve modeling the shape of the pubic arch is fitted against the thresholded, enhanced image to produce a processed image of the pubic arch. This is then overlaid with the image of the prostate and a determination made as to pubic arch interference.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device comprising at least two dissimilar thermoelements directly bonded to cavities within a heat absorbing interconnection member yielding a strong device.

Abstract: The combination includes a featherbed and a relatively thin, down-filled top member which has a peripheral outline substantially identical to that of the featherbed. The top member is positioned on the upper surface of the featherbed. Attachment elements such as straps, ties and/or buttons or even a cover member are used to removably secure the top member in place on the upper surface of the featherbed and to prevent the top member from shifting position on the featherbed during use thereof.

Abstract: The spacer element includes a center section and two cup-like end sections, the spacer member generally being cylindrical in exterior configuration. The center section is approximately 40-50 mm long, with the two end sections being approximately 10-15 mm long. The spacer element is also configured to fit within a conventional needle which is loaded with an alternating succession of radioactive seeds and spacer elements, for subsequent positioning in the prostate.