Abstract: A method of making a pipette sampler system for removing and transferring a plurality of liquid samples includes the step of thermoforming a plurality of identical pipettes in a first thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a first precision die. A concave housing including a plurality of stiffening depressions and a skirt portion possessing a peripheral sealing edge is thermoformed from a second thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a second die. The housing and pipette sheet are joined by dielectric heat sealing forming a manifold communicating with each pipette, with the peripheral sealing edge and each of the stiffening depressions heat welded to the pipette sheet, forming an inflexible rigid monocoque structure. A filling tray is thermoformed from a third thin PVC plastic sheet utilizing a third die. A sealing washer is sealed to a top surface of the housing, surrounding an aperture formed through a top surface of the housing and communicating with the manifold.

Abstract: A spreader for granular material such as sand comprises a trailer adapted to be pulled behind a vehicle such as a tractor or other utility vehicle. A frusto-conical bin forms a hopper for a granular material to be dispensed and directs the material into a spreader housing where the material is impelled outwardly through a discharge opening by a rotating impeller. The impeller and an orbital rotating bin sweep arm are driven by coaxial drive shafts via a belt and pulley mechanism. A frictional tire engages the upper rim of the bin and propels the sweep arm in an orbital path. The material discharge rate and discharge pattern are controllable by a slide gate and interchangeable cover plates which vary the size of the discharge opening. The impeller and bin sweep assembly may be driven by an internal motor or from the towing vehicle by a power take-off drive.

Abstract: A manhole casting setting fixture includes a pair of spaced parallel frame rails connected by a plurality of transverse struts. Four loop handles are secured at opposite ends of the frame rails to facilitate manual manipulation and transportation of the fixture. A pair of clamp mounting blocks are positioned in juxtaposed relation centrally on bottom surfaces of the frame rails. A pair of lead screws extend through respective threaded coaxial bores in the mounting blocks and include handle portions to facilitate manual loosening and tightening of the lead screws. A pair of arcuate clamping jaws are rotatably mounted on oppositely directed end portions of the lead screws.

Abstract: Artificial posterior cuspless teeth possess slightly convex functional occlusal surfaces in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions on upper posterior teeth and slightly concave functional occlusal surfaces on lower posterior teeth, with both upper and lower posterior teeth configured to conform to the restored curves of Spee in an anterior--posterior direction and to conform to the restored curves of Wilson in a buccolingual direction.

Abstract: A door intercom device for allowing a dwelling occupant to easily converse with an individual disposed on an exterior side of a dwelling door includes a thin sheet metal mounting bracket possessing a generally U-shaped clamp portion dimensioned to engage over the top edge of a conventional swinging door. An elongated interior portion of the bracket includes a terminal end portion upon which a master station of a two-station intercom system is mounted. A suction cup on a rear face of the terminal end portion of the mounting bracket secures the device in place on the interior face of a door. A second station of the intercom system is secured on a short leg portion of the U-shaped clamp, on an exterior face of the door. Electrical wiring connecting the intercom stations extends along the rear face of the mounting bracket, protected within an overfolded bead portion.

Abstract: A filmless X-ray apparatus and method of using the same include an X-ray source for directing X-rays through a subject such as an animal, human, or luggage in an airport security scanner into a fluorescent intensifying screen. An aluminum coated and lead back glass mirror reflect only the visible component of radiation passing through the fluorescent screen to one or more video cameras. Video signals from the video camera are directed to frame grabber circuitry operably associated with a computer provided with image enhancing and processing software.

Abstract: A vote recording device utilizes a punch to form machine readable holes at preselected locations in a non-scored paper ballot card. A stationary top mask with an array of spaced punch access apertures and a metal anvil plate with an array of spaced die apertures are secured within a housing in spaced parallel relation with the apertures in axial alignment. A lockout template having an array of spaced punch receiving apertures is received for sliding movement between the top mask and the anvil plate. The lockout template is biased to a position where the punch receiving apertures on the lockout template are out of alignment with the punch access apertures in the upper mask. A ballot card is inserted between the lockout template and the anvil plate, causing the lockout template to slide to a position in which the punch receiving apertures of the lockout template are in alignment with the punch access apertures in the upper mask and the die apertures in the anvil plate.

Abstract: A folding portable play enclosure for children includes a plurality of panels connected in a series in an accordion-fold manner by a plurality of folding joints. The panels are formed by cardboard sheets sandwiched between inner and outer flexible vinyl layers. The folding joints are formed by the provision of spaces between the ends of each adjacent pair of cardboard sheets in the series. First indicia on one face of each of the panels simulates an exterior appearance of a home and includes trees, exterior windows, exterior doors, and fences, for example. Second indicia on an opposite face of the panels simulates an interior appearance of a home and includes furniture, interior windows, interior doors, and bookshelves, for example. Cooperating snap fasteners allow the enclosure to be selectively secured in an erected orientation forming a closed play space or in a compact collapsed orientation for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A spinal positioning frame mounted atop an operating table for lateral, longitudinal and pivotal adjustment allows optimal patient positioning. A yoke mounted in a rectangular frame for reciprocal sliding movement is driven by a pneumatically controlled electric linear actuator which may be driven in an emergency by blowing into pneumatic control lines. A pair of spaced parallel flexible steel flex strips connect juxtaposed anterior and posterior fulcrum plates pivotally mounted adjacent opposite ends of the frame. A pair of patient support pads are adjustably secured by cooperating hook and loop pile fasteners to respective pad mounting plates. Slots in the pad mounting plates receive cam lock fasteners which adjustably secure the pad mounting plates to the flex strips. The actuator causes the flex strips and pads to bow convexly upwardly, while a meter indicates the degree of flex, allowing precise regulation of spinal curvature to afford maximum lumbar access.

Abstract: A T-bar partition support clip for securing a rectangular channel shaped partition track to a T-bar ceiling support includes first and second spaced, parallel, vertical leg portions formed from a deformable sheet metal material. Upper ends of the first and second vertical leg portions are perpendicularly connected to coplanar first and second horizontal leg portions. The first and second horizontal leg portions are connected by a vertically extending clip portion possessing vertical sidewalls connected by a top web. A pair of juxtaposed inwardly extending protuberances are formed by punch indentations in central regions of the vertical sidewalls. The vertical sidewalls converge inwardly and downwardly from a maximum lateral separation adjacent the web to a minimum lateral separation adjacent junctions of the vertical sidewalls with the first and second horizontal leg portions.

Abstract: An electrical lock thawing device includes a housing formed from a water-proof rubber material and enclosing a rechargeable battery and an electrical heating element. A switch on the housing is operative to selectively connect the battery to the heating element and a removable elongated blade extends through a slot in an end wall of the housing. The blade is heated by the heating element and is insertable into a key slot of a frozen lock. An electrical plug on a rotatable cylindrical member is mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions with respect to the housing and serves to connect the rechargeable battery to a conventional AC outlet. A resilient detent member selectively actuated by a spring-biased push button is operative to secure the rotatable plug in a selected position. The removable thawing blade may be formed in a variety of different key configurations for use in various different locks. A spring ball detent is utilized to removably retain the blade within the housing.

Abstract: A nut for use on roadways, runways, in reinforced concrete construction, and the like, possesses a generally circular shape, with spherical top and bottom surfaces connected by a cylindrical side wall. A central aperture formed through the nut is threaded for engagement with an anchor bolt secured in a roadway surface by a conventional epoxy. Four smaller diameter threaded apertures are disposed on a common circle adjacent a peripheral edge of the nut, evenly spaced at ninety degree angular increments. The smaller diameter apertures are utilized in conjunction with a spanner wrench to tighten the nut on an anchor bolt. After the nut is tightened securely into position, an externally threaded drill guide bushing is engaged within each of the four smaller diameter apertures and utilized to drill a coaxial cylindrical bore in the roadway surface.

Abstract: A substantially U-shaped stud engaging clip formed from a resilient plastic or metal material and dimensioned for frictional engagement with a standard 2".times.4" or 2".times.6" framing stud. A wire engaging clip body is formed on a side wall of the stud engaging clip and includes a plurality of resilient clips which may be selectively dimensioned to secure flat ROMEX type cables, round cables, or individual wires. Preferably, each wire engaging clip body includes a variety of differently dimensioned individual clip elements to allow convenient securement of various different conventional forms of wiring. The stud engaging clip may be stapled to the conventional 2".times.4" or 2".times.6" stud by a conventional manual or rechargeable staple gun to enhance securement. After the wiring is installed utilizing a plurality of the stud engaging clips, drywall is conventionally nailed to the studs, over the clips.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a rotating circular base plate driven by a motor through a gear reduction mechanism. A plurality of elongated troughs are mounted in a spaced circular array adjacent a periphery of the base plate, such that outer edges of the troughs are disposed on the surface of a cylinder. The troughs may have a variety of different transverse cross-sectional shapes, such as semi-circular, U-shaped, or V-shaped. A centrally disposed drive shaft extends axially from the base plate and includes a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced fins. The rotating base plate and attached troughs are mounted in a housing having an inlet duct and an outlet duct connected in a cold air return duct of a conventional forced air type furnace. A water tank disposed in the bottom of the housing is connected by a float valve to a water supply source such that a constant water level is maintained in the tank.

Abstract: A junction box for connection to the electrical wiring of a building structure includes an inner panel adapted for mounting to a surface of a building structure and an outer panel substantially parallel to and spaced from the inner panel and adapted for mounting an electrical device thereon. Side panel means bridge the inner and outer panels to provide an enclosure therebetween. The inner panel is adapted to permit passage of an electrical conduit therethrough, and the outer panel is adapted to permit access to the electrical conduit for connection of an electrical device thereto.

Abstract: A suspended personnel carrier includes an elevated cylindrical track from which a carrier is suspended for translation by a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes orthogonal rollers which ride along the cylindrical track. The carrier is propelled along the track through a fan drive system including a propeller and a motor. The frame of the carrier is divided into front and rear portions connected by a hinge. A crossed parallelogram linkage suspension connects the front and rear portions, such that turning of the front portion by manual manipulation of a handlebar assembly effects a mirror image movement of the rear portion. The drive motor and propeller are coupled to the frame of a carrier by a slip rail assembly, and to the bearing assembly by a shock absorbing telescoping linkage, such that drive force is first transmitted to the bearing assembly, rather than the frame.