Abstract: A fountain having a submersible motor and a pump secured to a frame so as to have a relatively low profile such that the entire unit is submersible in a relatively shallow pool. The pump motor is supported at a front end to the frame and along with its shaft generally extends horizontally. The pump is secured to the frame generally in front of the motor. An impeller mounted in a first pump chamber draws water into the first pump chamber through an intake opening on a rear wall of the pump housing. The water is directed out a side of the first pump chamber, through a first pump chamber discharge passageway and back through a pump return passageway and into a second pump chamber. The water is then directed out of the pump housing through a discharge opening on a front wall thereof which is aligned with the intake opening. The water is then directed through a piping assembly which is secured to the front wall of the pump housing.

Abstract: An electric cooker includes a unitary cast metal cooking vessel and a generally cylindrical base ring sized to mate with a perimeter flange of the cooking vessel. The base ring includes a number of support legs integrally molded therein for support of the cooker as well as a receptacle opening into a first side opening in the base ring for accommodating a pair of power terminal pins via a removable pin attachment block. A base plate, preferably made of metal, includes a center hole positioned to mate with a center boss formed in the cooking vessel bottom and a number of slots are formed in the periphery of the plate to accommodate the molded legs of the base ring.

Abstract: An isometric neck exerciser includes a main platform that houses three separate cushioned supports. A first of the supports is contoured and positioned to maintain firm pressure on the mid cervical spine. The second support is contoured to form a notch which is positioned to maintain firm pressure on the upper cervical vertebra and to contact a plurality of acupressure points. The third support is positioned to provide general positive support for the base of the skull. Each support reliably achieves constant support for the particular portion of the cervical system as the neck is moved through three primary axes of motion, (flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation). One or more stepping platforms can be added to selectively elevate the main platform to tailor the exerciser for different sized individuals.

Abstract: An improved reciprocating saw is designed to compensate for distortion in a reciprocating blade head due to tensioning of a blade pack. The saw incorporates an improved linear rail pair supporting the blade head via four bearing housings. A first pair of bearing mounts which compensate for rotary motion between the blade head and the bearing housings are attached between a respective pair of the bearing housings and one side of the blade head a first blade head side member. A second pair of bearing mounts which compensate for both rotary motion and linear motion between the blade head and the bearing housings are attached between a second respective pair of the bearing housings and the opposite side of the blade head. The inventive bearing mounts thus compensate for bowing of side members of the blade head during blade tensioning.

Abstract: A flow rate and droplet size control system for a spray system including a spray liquid source, a pump, a spray liquid line and a nozzle assembly. The control system includes a setpoint conversion subroutine for independently controlling the flow rate and volume median droplet size setpoints. The control system also includes performance envelopes for various nozzle tips. An independent flow rate and droplet size control method is provided for use with the control system. A position-responsive control system receives information pertaining to the boundaries of spray zones and spray conditions, such as application rates and volume median droplet diameters associated with the spray zones. The position-responsive control system monitors the position of a spray vehicle, which can comprise a ground vehicle or an aircraft. The position-based control system changes the spray system operating conditions in response to the sprayer vehicle position.

Abstract: An over center closure apparatus for a spring latched rock door for a combine harvester includes a first, free rotating lever arm connected to rotate about the rock door pivot and a second lever arm connected to rotate with the rock door pivot. The second lever arm includes a stop positioned to engage the first lever arm as it rotates about the rock door pivot. A linkage arm extends from the first lever arm downward to a over center lever arm in an over center assembly. The over center lever arm is positioned to rotate about a pivot axis between an over center position and a free rotating position such that, when the over center lever arm is rotated to the over center position, the rock door is closed and held in the closed position by the over center position of the over center lever arm. The rock door can then be conveniently latched closed.

Abstract: A trauma unit for transporting nonambulatory patients includes a removable frame secured to a vehicle by a frame mounting system which includes a series of mounting subassemblies, hooks, and studs. The trauma unit frame supports a variety of patient/attendant support systems including patient and attendant seats, straps, fasteners, and patient-immobilizing apparatus such as a patient-immobilizing panel and an adjustable, retractable leg splint.

Abstract: An unloader system is provided for a gas compressor including a cylinder, a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder, a crankshaft connected to the piston and suction and discharge valve assemblies, selectively communicating the cylinder with suction and discharge lines. The compressor crankshaft is driven by a prime mover. The unloader system includes an unloader valve assembly, which can comprise one of the suction or discharge valve assemblies, and an unloader actuation system including a controller and a stepper motor. The unloader valve assembly includes a valve seat with a plurality of seat passages arrayed in a seat passage circle. The unloader actuation system rotates an unloader valve assembly guard and valve members mounted thereon in increments corresponding to the radial spacing of the valve members and the seat passages, with each incremental rotation corresponding to a single crankshaft revolution.

Abstract: A modified polyurethane structionally incorporating filler having active hydrogen groups on a surface thereof into a polyurethane polymer. The filler is first fluidized with a polyol and then reacted with a linking component having an organo reactive group that is reactive with an isocyanate. Polyisocyanate and additional polyol are added to the reaction mixture such that the isocyanate reacts with the linking component and the polyol to form a polymer wherein the filler is an integral unit in the polymer. The resultant modified polyurethane has good dynamic properties and is surprisingly resilient. Preferred fillers are sand, clay talc and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable fuel metering adapter for a carburetor includes a rectangular plate having an inlet surface and an opposite outlet surface. A needle valve chamber with a needle valve seat is formed within the plate and communicates with a threaded needle valve bore formed through a top edge surface of the plate. A pair of inlet ports are bored into the inlet surface of the plate, and a pair of outlet ports are bored into the outlet surface of the plate. A pair of inlet passages communicate respectively between the inlet ports and the needle valve chamber. A pair of outlet passages communicate between the needle valve chamber and the respective outlet ports. The inlet ports receive fuel from the fuel bowl of the carburetor, and the outlet ports are positioned to align with fuel supply passages of the carburetor. Rotation of a needle valve member received in the needle valve bore simultaneously controls the volume rate of fuel flow from the fuel bowl to the respective fuel outlet ports.

Abstract: An improved quick attach system for removably attaching an implement, such as a bucket, to a front end loader includes a quick attach assembly connected to the lift arms and tilt operators of the front end loader. A pair of alignment members mate with alignment recesses on the bucket while a pair of spring-urged locking pins mate with a pair of brackets on the bucket. A common scissors-type pin retraction assembly is connected to the locking pins with a single release handle provided to move the pins between locked and release positions. The handle moves within a slot between as the pins move between the locked and release positions and a detent is provided for holding the handle, and the locking pins, in the release position. The handle is automatically urged from the detent position by a locking member on the loader as the bucket is attached to the loader, thus allowing the pins to lock into place in the bucket brackets.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a sign and a bent wire bail for ground insertion. The sign is formed from a blank with adhesive strips for securing its inner surface together in a folded position. A sign mounted on a wooden stick is shown as an alternative embodiment. A method of manufacturing the sign mounted on a wooden stick involves placing inner and outer parallel strips of adhesive on the inside faces of a sign blank and folding the sign blank together to provide a pocket between the innermost adhesive strips. A wooden stick is inserted into the pocket.

Abstract: An envelope includes a front panel and a rear panel with a closure flap. The front and rear panels are connected by an expandable sidewalls formed by joining end flaps of the front and rear panel. The sidewalls have an intermediate line of weakness that allows bending and expansion. The line of weakness is backed on the inside by an extension from the front panel flap which reduces the likelihood of the sidewall being turned outwardly rather than inwardly into the envelope. A front to rear strip connects the front panel with the back panel so as to form a relatively small pocket and a relatively large pocket within the envelope. A locking tab is preferentially placed above the small pocket and constructed of extensions of the front panel and sidewall to allow a user to selectively use the locking tab to hold objects within the small pocket or release such objects. The envelope is especially suited for transferring finished photographic prints and a container holding negatives for the prints.

Abstract: A stereoscopic video telecommunication system includes a fiberoptic based wideband switching network interconnecting wideband subscriber stations and narrowband subscriber stations. A wideband station includes a stereoscopic video receiver along with a stereophonic audio receiver for respectively displaying and playing stereo video and audio signals received by way of the network. The wideband station may also include a stereoscopic video source such as a pair of stereoscopic video cameras along with a stereophonic pair of microphones. The wideband station may also include narrowband devices such as a conventional telephone, a computer, and a facsimile machine. Connections between stations on the network are established by dialing another station and transferring the desired signal, including stereoscopic video signals. Preferably, the signals are converted to a digital format and, especially for stereoscopic video signals, data compressed to conserve network overhead.

Abstract: An improved artificial insemination tool includes a tip made of a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is insert molded around one end of a elongate tube made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The TPE material is extremely durable and includes a series of annular rings which are progressively graduated in size from a small diameter to a larger diameter. The annular rings are separated by respective annular recesses. The graduated size of the tip allows it to be used with both young and mature animals.

Abstract: A table for supporting and securing a portable computer in a vehicle comprises a table top with adjustably positionable clamping members and an articulated arm secured at an upper end to the underside of the table and at a lower end to the interior of the car, typically the floor. The clamping members are slidingly secured along the sides of the table to permit sliding advancement of the clamping members relative to and along the sides to which they are attached. Opposed clamping members are retractable and extendable relative to one another. The table is removably securable to the vehicle and collapsible upon itself to permit it to be positioned out of the way when not in use.