Abstract: A remotely controllable travelling robot for operation inside a pipe or bore-hole has a tool mounting assembly (22) which is rotatable in support structure (14, 16) about a longitudinal axis. The support structure (14, 16) is mounted on a pair of skids (10, 12) by means of a hydraulically driven elevator mechanism including rams (32) mounted on the skids 10, 12 which lift the support structure (14, 16) to a required height so as to place the longitudinal axis approximately in coincidence with the axis of the pipe or bore-hole. A tool mounting head (80) forming part of the tool mounting assembly (22) is itself hydraulically powered for tilting about a transverse axis and for moving transversely relative to the longitudinal axis along a transverse bar (88) fixed in a tool mounting assembly casing 60.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field measurement probe for measuring an electromagnetic field and providing a corresponding measurement signal to a measurement output. The electromagnetic field measurement probe comprises an antenna arrangement for detecting the electromagnetic field and producing a corresponding electrical output, and an output connector arrangement connected to the antenna arrangement for providing the corresponding electrical output to the measurement output of the probe. The output connector arrangement includes a lead structure comprising a dielectric having opposing faces on opposite sides thereof, and high resistivity lead material disposed on the opposing faces. The probe further comprises a diode rectifier disposed between and connecting two antenna elements forming the antenna arrangement, as well as two output connector bonding pads, each being electrically connected to the high resistivity material disposed on respective ones of the two opposing faces of the dielectric.

Abstract: A negotiable instrument operable for automatic bank scanning and processing wherein the negotiable instrument includes three field areas to receive maker, payee, and amount indicia. A fluorescent ink is applied as background on at least one of the field areas of the negotiable instrument. When ultraviolet light is used to illuminate the negotiable instrument indicia added on top of the fluorescent ink may be automatically detected and scanned.

Abstract: A grave marker and flower receptacle for use in a cemetary includes a base portion of granite or marble having a cylindrical opening. A molded flower receptacle is formed in the cylindrical opening from resin material such as epoxy or polyester which permanently bonds to the base and which overlayes the upper surface of the base in a decorative construction. A method of forming an integral grave marker and flower receptacle is also disclosed whereby a mold insert is positioned in the cylindrical opening in the base. The flower receptacle material is poured into the area between the insert and the opening in the base and a negative impression of the insert is made as the receptacle material hardens to form the flower receptacle. In an alternative embodiment, the molded flower receptacle is formed in combination with a first base section, after which the first section is cemented to the remaining section of the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the high temperature destruction by pyrolysis and incineration of organic and inorganic gaseous, liquid, and solid toxic and hazardous compounds. The apparatus has a melting chamber and a combustion chamber wherein solid, sludge liquid and gaseous compounds are separately or simultaneously eliminated. In the melting chamber of the apparatus, a molten mass media operates at temperatures between 2200 and 2900 degrees F. Directly above the molten mass a flame impinges upon the molten surface at a temperature of 3000 degrees F. and above. Solid, liquid, and gaseous hazardous wastes are introduced into the melting chamber either on or beneath the surface of the molten mass wherein the waste is destroyed. Due to the operating sequence of the apparatus, the liquid and solid waste compounds may be in the molten mass in excess of eight hours.

Abstract: A self-congratulatory apparatus having a simulated human hand carried on a pivoting arm suspended form shoulder supported member. The hand is manually swingable into and out of contact with the user's back to give an amusing or an important pat-on-the-back.

Abstract: A device for removing irregularities in or enlarging a buried duct comprises a cylindrical housing (10) corresponding approximately in diameter to the required diameter of the duct, a plurality of tapered leaf members (14) pivotally attached at their rear ends to the front of the housing, and a conical wedge (18) driven by an axial hydraulic ram (12) mounted inside the housing (10). In operation, the apparatus is drawn through the duct with the leaf members (14) in a retracted position in which they form a tapered nose portion, until an irregularity in the duct causes resistance to forward movement. The ram (12) is operated to force the leaf members outwardly against the wall of the duct to remove the irregularity. The leaf members (14) are then retracted as the apparatus is drawn forward to the next obstruction. The apparatus is particularly intended for preparing damaged sewers prior to fitting an inner, lining pipe.

Abstract: A shock absorber and air spring assembly particularly adapted for use in a tilt cab suspension system. It provides the capability of remotely adjusting the amount of damping on the down stroke of the damper piston.

Abstract: A machine readable document is disclosed with unknown variable data of a specified nature imprinted thereon in unknown, variable locations. The data is imprinted on the document in such a manner that it can be machine located, accurately read, and identified as to type for further use in creating a composite record. In one embodiment, the document is a negotiable instrument or bank check which can be machine read and used in the production of a composite image statement.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring material wound on a feed spool to a take-up spool such as in a ribbon cassette for a typewriter or word processor. The apparatus includes a base, a centerpost, a feed spool positioned to rotate about the centerpost, a take-up spool, and a generally circular coil spring attached at one end to the centerpost. The outer surface of the spring exerts a frictional drag force on the feed spool which resists rotation of the spool during a transfer procedure. The spring also deforms during the transfer procedure and exerts a force on the spool in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation thereby providing a minimum tension on the material to avoid problems common to conventional cassettes such as jamming.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic proportional valve wherein an electromagnetic force motor sends a mechanical signal to a pilot actuator which moves a main spool. The pilot actuator includes a pilot spool slidably received in a pilot sleeve. A feedback spool which is movable with the main spool has a camming surface against which the pilot sleeve rides. A load check valve is provided that isolates the load pressure from system pressure when desired.

Abstract: A dynamically variable oscillating adjustment assembly including a frame and a first link means pivotally connected at one end to the frame and an adjustment mechanism positioned intermediate the one end of the first link means and the frame to adjustably position the first link means with respect to the frame. A second link means pivotally connected at one end to the other end of the first link means and pivotally connected at the other end to a first arm of a bell crank pivotally mounted upon the frame. A second arm of the bell crank is operable to oscillate in response to oscillation of the other end of the first link means. An adjustment mechanism may be interposed between the frame and the intermediate pivot of the bell crank such that the position and stroke of the other arm of the bell crank may be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: A mammographic device comprises an X-ray source for emitting X-rays along a predetermined path, a film holder disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays for holding film to be exposed to the X-rays, a compression plate disposed in the predetermined path of the X-rays, and positionable for compressing, and holding in position, against the film holder a woman's breast to be X-rayed, and a suspension arrangement disposed between the X-ray source and the compression plate for holding the X-ray source and the compression plate in a fixed relative mutual position so that the distance between the X-ray source and the compression plate remains constant. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression plate holder and compression plate are formed into an integral structure made of plexiglass. Preferably, the compression plate contains a matrix pattern of holes or perforations for facilitating biopsy guidance and needle aspiration cytology.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for polishing the edges of lenses, such as eyeglass lenses. The apparatus includes a lens holder, a motor for rotating the lens holder, a hand screw mechanism for opening and closing the lens holder, a polishing pad, a motor for rotating the polishing pad, a hand pivot mechanism for pivoting the polishing pad towards and away from the lens holder, a container for polishing abrasive, and a hand screw mechanism for translating the the polishing pad axially to bring different portions of the polishing pad into engagement with lenses gripped by the lens holder.

Abstract: Disclosed are occlusal splints and the method of manufacturing the same. The occlusal splints described are worn on the upper arch of the mouth over the teeth. They are formed of two layers. The first layer is formed of a soft material molded to conform to the shape of the upper teeth and to be resiliently retained thereon, and the second layer is made of cold-cure acrylic resin built up on the first layer.

Abstract: This invention concerns a semi-submersible marine platform comprising an above water deck, a support structure extending downwardly from the deck into the water and supporting the deck on pods providing buoyancy for the platform, and stabilizer legs spaced around the support structure and outrigged underwater thereby or therefrom, each stabilizer leg preferably being free to pivot under environmental forces about an underwater universal pivot and extending upwardly therefrom to project substantially above mean water level and provide a cut water plane area for imparting a righting moment against environmental forces acting on the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snap lock assembly which may be mounted on a shaft without passing over an end of the shaft. The assembly comprises two segments which are sized and shaped to encircle the shaft and which snap lock with each other. The shaft may be a rod, a bolt, or the like and; the assembly may be a nut, a washer, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt lockout system for tilt-cab trucks which extends the shock absorber and spring assemblies adjacent the tilt axis to their maximum strokes prior to initiation of the tilt cycle and locks them in that position throughout the tilt cycle.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifying unit is used to convert coal and other combustible organic solids to gaseous end products. Solid feed enters the vertical preheat zone of S-shaped gasifying unit and is mixed with a hot recycle reagent such as clay. The solid material fills the preheating zone of the unit to an elevation sufficient to create a gravitational particle flow which forces the solid particles in the lower end of the zone into the bottom of a vertical gasifying zone and through the remaining sections of the unit. In the gasifying zone, a fluidizing gaseous stream such as carbon dioxide or steam is injected to enhance the flow of the solid particles.Also disclosed is a gas fractionating unit and a relatively high pressure solid fuel gasifying unit which contain a reagent powder having a significant weight difference in reduced form as compared with the weight of the powder in oxidized form and which may be circulated through the unit under gravity flow during oxidation-reduction chemical processing.

Abstract: The single room interior space of a compact motorvan for most daytime living converts quickly into three private compartments by simply opening a set of dual function folding doors (movable partitions) exposing a toilet and bigger than average shower stall area (latter doubling as coat closet) and at the same time forming a central compartment, thereby automatically creating two more private compartments in front and rear. The kitchen facilities located in the central compartment, opposite from the toilet and shower/coat closet area, are used when the doors cover that area from view. This central utility compartment is always available for active use and never occupied by seats, table or beds. The four seats in the instantly creatable front compartment rapidly convert to two, wide single beds, with ample space between them for quick exit or access to the central privacy compartment. There is also an easily and quickly stowable overhead double adult size bed in this front compartment.