Abstract: A method useful for evaluating abnormal body tremors wherein a subject is positioned onto a support surface and one or more components of the load exerted by the subject upon the support surface are measured. Simultaneously, the cardiac activity of the subject is also recorded and the time interval between each consecutive heartbeat is computed. The measured load output is modified to normalize the weight of the subject and then plotted against a modified frequency wherein each time interval between heartbeats represent a unit of time and a selected equal number of force measurement samples are interpolated between each heartbeat. The frequency spectrum analysis of such a modified power spectrum graph yields information about body tremor which can be compared to a prior analysis of the same subject or to the same analysis of a standard.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis having discrete left and right side belt-like segments configured to wrap around a wearer's torso and be adjustably connected in the front and rear portions of the side segments. Each belt-like segment includes an anterior and posterior edges disposed in overlapping relationship to one another. Fastening means are provided for releasably connecting the anterior overlapping portions to initially mount the orthosis around the wearer's waist. The posterior portion of the orthosis includes a semi-rigid or rigid lumbar support panel to which the overlapping posterior portions of each side segment are adjustably connected via a plurality of slots and aligned holes in either the panel or the side segments and a fastener extended through a respective aligned hole and slot. The fasteners are permitted to slide within the confines of the respective slots to modify the effective circumferential girth defined by the side segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and reducing excessive amplitude of oscillation of a free piston slidably mounted in a housing. The housing has a vibration absorber, including a mass mounted through a spring to the housing. The mass reciprocates relative to the housing along a path in a phase relationship to the piston. A sensor is mounted near the mass for detecting the amplitude of oscillation of the mass. A controller is connected to the sensor for reducing the amplitude of oscillation of the piston when the amplitude of oscillation of the mass reaches a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A method of forming a wear-resistant reinforcing coating on a substrate, such as concrete, wood, metal or particulate. A reinforcing fiber mat is placed on the substrate and a liquid matrix material is mixed with small colored stones. The mixture of matrix material and stones is poured onto the mat, and the liquid wets the mat and contacts the substrate. After curing, a composite coating is formed with stones as the wearing surface. A membrane can be interposed between the substrate and the reinforcing coating to prevent adhesion and “starving” of the mat.

Abstract: The invention can prevent gas leakage and reduce friction force while relaxing tolerance for manufacturing a displacer and the like for Stirling cycle machines. Gas leakage between the outer periphery of a seal (1) and the inner peripheral surface (5a) of a cylinder (5) is prevented. Accordingly, precise finish of the radial clearance between the displacer (2) and the cylinder (5) is not required. As the difference of pressures between the front and rear spaces of the displacer (2) is small, the gas leakage is sufficiently prevented without pressing the seal (1) against the inner peripheral surface (5a) of the cylinder (5). On the other hand, as the friction force generated between them is significantly small, it does not affect the reciprocation of the displacer. As the seal (1) is provided so as not to be restricted axially and radially, the displacer is kept closely contacted with the inner peripheral surface (5a) of the cylinder (5) even if the displacer (2) eccentrically shifts.

Abstract: A gas restrictor particularly usrful for applicatio in gas bearing as used, for example, in free-piston Striling cycle machinery. Porous strip material together with a backing plate and orifice (bleed hole) is used to provide the restriction to the flow of gas into an annular gap between a piston and a cylinder.

Abstract: A removable billiard cue tip that can be placed on the end of a conventional billiard cue and subsequently removed easily. The removable tip includes a body having a frustoconical outer surface and a chamber therein as defined by an inner sidewall and an endwall with a soft cushion. An o-ring is mounted in a groove in the inner sidewall, and seats against the outer surface of the conventional cue tip when the removable tip is mounted in place.

Abstract: A method for making a spiral fuel body for a layered candle is disclosed. Layers of a non-liquid candle fuel are successively poured into a mold and cooled to a non-liquid state. The layers bond together in the mold, and are removed as a sheet of candle fuel, which is rolled into the spiral fuel body. Each layer is distinguishable from the other layer for the life of the candle by color, aroma, and thickness. A mold that can be used for making a rolled candle has obtuse sides for producing a tapered form to the candle.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator using substantially planar screens of similar charge positioned perpendicular to the gas flow direction. The screens have a similar charge of the same polarity, and particles flowing through the screens are charged, agglomerated and either collected on the screens or fall downwardly into collecting hoppers below the screens. The screens preferably have openings smaller than 3 millimeters and are spaced apart less than 10 millimeters. In an alternative embodiment, the screens have alternating polarities and are spaced about an inch or more apart to prevent sparkover.

Abstract: A variable power assist apparatus for vehicles, such as automobiles. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors, preferably electromechanical transducers, mounted to the hand-grippable region of a steering wheel. The sensors are connected to a computer that controls the power-assist device of the automobile, and produce a signal that is a function of grip pressure. The computer varies the amount of assist provided to the steering system as a function of at least the grip pressure.

Abstract: High-impedance optical electrodes modulate light in response to a life-form bio-potential and then converts the modulated light to an electrical signal that provides traditional EEG and EEC type output. Light splitters are used to provide multiple electrodes and an electronic reference source. A pilot tone is used to achieve high sensitivity and synchronize multiple units while an optical phase-shift modulator is used to reduce optical noise.

Abstract: A universally rotatable pivotal integral luggage handle for use with a piece of luggage having a retractable handle frame is provided. The handle includes a grasping portion and a luggage attachment portion. The grasping portion has a hand contacting portion and a base portion, with the base portion having a center section. The center section has a sidewall and a bottom surface. It has a vertical channel which exits at least from the bottom surface. The luggage attachment portion has an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion having a sidewall and a top surface. The luggage attachment portion has a vertical channel which exits at least from the top surface. The grasping portion and the luggage attachment portion are rotatably connected by fastening means extending vertically through the respective channels.

Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps: a) Manufacture of a prismatic core corresponding to the desired form of the thermal insulation element from a porous material; b) Enveloping of the principal faces of this core with a single sheet of the gas-tight foil; c) At least partial welding together of the foil which is drawn tight around the core along the face of the core; d) Folding-in of the welded seam area of the foil against the face of the core; e) Stress-free folding-together of the areas of the cut sheet of gas-tight foil projecting beyond the core, covering and in flat contact with the end surface(s) of the core; f) Welding together of the folded-together areas of foil on at least on

Abstract: A custom-fit spinal orthosis including a pair of semi-rigid side panels configured to fit in close-fitting relationship to a wearer's torso. Each side panel includes an anterior edge disposed in overlapping releasably fixed relationship to the other side panel to enclose a major portion of the front of a wearer's torso. The posterior edges of each side panel are disposed near the spinal column of the wearer and are releasably fixed to a discrete posterior panel overlying a length of the wearer's spine. The posterior panel and the side panel are provided with cooperating vertically spaced horizontally extending slots aligned with vertically spaced openings to accept releasably fixed fasteners to connect the side panels and posterior panel together in an adjustable relationship.

Abstract: A cooled stator for an electric machine including a rotating rotor wherein the stator comprises an electric sheet metal stack and one or more flexible, deformable cooling channels for guiding the flowing cooling medium in a liquid or gas form, reacting with the stacks. The one or more cooling channels being formed from one or more flexible corrugated hoses made of metal.