Abstract: A method of manufacturing sleeping bags (10) and similar insulated articles is provided using continuous fiber materials. The articles constructed are in the nature of enclosing shells (23) containing a fibrous insulation material (28). The primary articles are sleeping bags (10). The process involves creation of a three dimensional last element (32) in the general volumetric shape of the article and then wrapping the continuous fiber material (28) about the last (32) in such a manner as to form a cocoon (29). The method is enhanced by utilizing a last support apparatus (34) to rotate the last (32) during the wrapping step. The continuous fiber material (28) is ordinarily in the form of a swath (54) which is either preformed or is created from a ropelike tow (282) by a fiber separator (284). When the cocoon (29) is complete it is removed from the last (32) and inserted into a preformed enclosing shell (23) including an outer shell (24), an inner shell ( 26) and a closure such as a zipper (20).

Abstract: A two phase unipolar brushless direct current motor with asymmetrically arranged pole positions including a rotor portion (12) mounted upon a shaft subassembly (14) and rotating therewith with respect to a stator portion (16). The rotor portion (12) includes a field magnet (22) which is divided into alternately polarized zones (26) and (28) which are of dissimilar sizes, and a commutator magnet (38) to provide for electrical timing. The stator portion (16) includes salient pole positions (44) which are asymmetrically arranged around the circumference of the stator core.A latching hall effect sensor (82) is also provided to act as a commutator triggering element. The motor (10) is characterized in that the asymmetrical arrangement of its magnetic elements prevents there being a zero torque or a detent position. The primary usage of the motor (10) is in digital data storage devices.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope device for scanning a patient's organ is constructed using a mobile ultrasonic transducer probe on a carriage housed in a distal and section of the device, within a guide channel formed by a plurality of axially aligned rigid guide links having hollow spaces opened to one side and pivotable by means of a tension wire running through the links. A flexible hose in conjunction with a balloon envelope surround the end section and serves as a water supply path. The device is especially useful for transeophaged echocardiographic scanning.

Abstract: A dual coil lingual arch (10) appliance for use in the field of orthodontics is disclosed. Molar teeth (36, 38) are displaced distally by means of a primary wire arch (14) while anterior teeth (40) are displaced forward by means of a secondary wire arch (20). The primary wire arch (14) may be attached to the molar teeth (36, 38) by means of a pair of molar bands (42, 44), and the secondary wire arch (20) is attached to the primary wire arch (14) at a pair of spring junctions (30, 32). Near the spring junctions (30, 32) the secondary wire arch (20) is wound around the primary wire arch (14) to form a pair of spring coils (24, 26). In use, after the primary wire arch (14) is anchored to the molar teeth (36, 38) the secondary wire arch is activated by a practitioner by the action of lengthening the spring coils (24, 26), whereas the pressure on the molar teeth ( 36, 38) is independently set by means of preforming the primary wire arch (14).

Abstract: The invention is a trim positioning tool (10) including a trim guide portion (12), a door frame guide (20) and a trim headpiece length marking piece (22). The trim guide portion (12) includes a trim width spacer (14), trim with spacer standoffs (16) and a wall guide (18). The primary usage of the tool (10) is in the position of trim strips and stop strips during the installation of wooden door frames in residential and commerical construction. As so used, the tool (10) performs three separate functions. The tool (10) is used as a measuring device to mark the position for an initial piece of trim. The tool (10) is used to position trim at a proper setback distance and to help hold the trim in place while it is fastened. The tool (10) is also used to position door stop strips.

Abstract: A high index color encoding system (10) is provided for the purpose of receiving RGB video input from a personal computer or similar device and generating video signals in other formats for use by conventional video equipment. The color encoding system (10) includes operational circuitry (30) adapted to shape and modify the chrominance portions of the signals at a relatively high carrier frequency of four times the NTSC standard frequency with the lower NTSC output carrier being reconstituted by a doubly balanced mixer (266) component, thus substantially improving signal quality. The operational circuitry further includes synchronization generation circuitry (148), a Y, I, Q matrix (66) for creating luminance and chrominance components from RGB signals, an I, Q modulator (96) for producing high quality chrominance output and a dynamic aperture (246) for enhancing the rise slope of the luminance signal, among other components.

Abstract: A self enclosed filter pump system (10) is provided to deliver precise quantities of selected fluids. The system (10) includes a pump assembly (12) of a pneumatically controlled type and a modular filter and fluid bag assembly (14) adapted to mate with the pump assembly (12) during use. The filter and fluid bag assembly (14) is a flexible component which includes a container portion (20) for storing enclosed fluid (16) and an extension portion (22) for mating with the pump assembly (12). A series of fluid flow passages (35) create a fluid flow path from the storage chamber (34) to a first value bubble (36), a pump/filter bubble (46), a second valve bubble (52) and an outlet port (56). A filter membrane (48) may be secured within the pump/filter bubble (46) to filter the fluid (16) to remove particulate matter. The various bubbles (36, 46 and 52) are occluded and opened by pneumatic pressure applied to matching chambers (78, 88 and 94) in the pump housing (62).

Abstract: A unitary three-vane support bead (30) detunes the lowest-frequency transverse cavity modes, forcing resonances toward higher frequencies. Its impedance, compared with that of prior solid beads, is closer to the impedance of an air line. The bead is injection-molded in place, with a radial boss (35) at the radially outer end of each vane (32). Three apertures (14) in the outer conductor (11) capture the bosses, for economical but secure mounting; in fabrication these three apertures serve as injection gates. On its end (29) facing a mating device (65, 65f), the central conductor (21) has an axial bore (26) that holds a cylindrical sheet-metal spring (50). The outward-facing edge (56) of this spring protrudes slightly from the bore and is trimmed to form three distinct contact areas (52), each of relatively small circumferential extent, for kinematically stable engagement with the mating-device central pin (65).

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a rotary compression/combustion assembly (10) adaptable to be utilized as an internal combustion engine, a fluid pump or as fluid compressor device. The assembly (10) operates by the interaction of a variety of subassemblies, and is formed to be generally symmetrical about a central axis (11). A chamber subassembly (12), of cylindrical shape, is divided into five subchambers (54-62) by four vane subassmeblies (14). Each vane member (44) pivots about its own pivot axis to create a variable volume combustion/compression chamber (54-60) between the vane member (44) and the frame side wall (32) of the cylinder frame (24). A rotor subassembly (16), including a drive shaft (86) and a rotor blade (88) interacts with vane members (44) with the position of the rotor blade (88) determining, or being determined by, depending upon mode of use, the volume of each subchamber (54-60).

Abstract: A non-dedicated pallet assembly (10) is provided to carry and precisely position a plurality of integrated circuit package (12). The pallet assembly includes an exterior frame subassembly (14) encompassing an interior frame subassembly (16) formed to include a plurality of receiving nests (48) arrayed in rows thereon. Each receiving nest (48) is adapted to receive a modular package holder (18) in one of several selectable rotational orientations. The preferred modular package holders (18) may be in the form of a finger support holder (126), a surface protection holder (128) or a multi-nest holder (130), each conformed to the shape and dimensions of a selected package (12). Vertical support to the package holders (18) and the packages (12) is provided by a leaf spring (60) associated with each receiving nest (48) and by an openable and closable gate subassembly (20) associated with each pair of rows of receiving nests (48).

Abstract: A storage drum security apparatus (10) is provided to secure the apertures (24,26) on a storage drum or barrel (12). The apparatus (10) includes a large aperture subassembly (14) and a small aperture subassembly (16) which are interconnected by a securing bar subassembly (18). The first bung member (28) is provided with a post member (40) which extends upward through an isolator member (56) to engage a post receiving hole (98) formed in a flattened portion (92) of the securing bar (90) while the second bung member (66) includes a ball portion (80) on a neck (78) which mates with ball receiving structure (102) in the tubular portion (94) of the securing bar (90). This relationship prevents access to turn either of the bung members (28,66) while the securing bar (90) is in place. The securing bar (90) is also adapted to be used as a wrench to turn both the bung members (28,66 ) when desired.

Abstract: A pipe system purging assembly (10) is adapted for connection to a blocked pipe system (12) for the purpose of eliminating or reducing blockage therein. The preferred embodiment of the purging assembly (10) includes a internal tubing system (16) which is connected to the blocked pipe system (12) by an adaptive connector (14). A shock producing subassembly (20) then delivers rapid and repeated hydraulic shocks through the fluid into the blocked pipe system (12). Alternate subassemblies for enhancing the operation of the assembly (10) include a backpump subassembly (34), a fluid input subassembly (36) and a visual inspection subassembly (42). An inventive method of purging blockage from pipe systems is also provided with the steps of filling the isolated pipe system with fluid and delivering repeated hydraulic shocks thereto for the purposes of dislodging the blockage. Direct physical shocks may also be provided to the pipe system (12).

Abstract: A storage and access apparatus (10) is provided for containing and supporting elongated cylindrical objects, particularly industrial gas cylinders (13). The apparatus (10) operates on a principal similar to that of a lazy susan and includes a rotatable carousel (16) radially bounded by a stationary support frame (14). The entire apparatus (10) is supported on a base plate (18) which may be fixed to a specific location or carried on a rolling dolly (5120). The support frame (14) includes a base ring (20) for preventing radially outward slippage of the bottoms of the gas cylinders (13) and an upper support ring (30) mounted on support posts (26) for arresting the fall of a cylinder (13). The upper support ring (30) includes a gate member (34) for selectively closing a front gap (32) through which the cylinders (13) may be installed and removed.

Abstract: A storage device (10) adapted to store a plurality of compact disk containers, known as jewel boxes (11). The device (10) includes a hollow exterior frame (12) and an interior frame (28) which divides the interior into vertical columnar compartments (43, 44 and 45), each of which includes eight storage slots (50). Each of the compartments has an associated securing/release mechanism (60) which acts to restrain the jewel box (11) within the slot (50) and to release and eject it therefrom when pressure is applied to a release button (68). The device (10) is particulary adapted to store twenty four jewel boxes (11) in three columns, but is adaptable for other arrays and other rectangular solid objects.

Abstract: A non-dedicated pallet assembly (10) is provided to carry and precisely position a plurality of integrated circuit packages (12). The pallet assembly includes an exterior frame subassembly (14) emcompassing an interior frame subassembly (16) formed to include a plurality of receiving nests (48) arrayed in rows thereon. Each receiving nest (48) is adapted to receive a modular package holder (18) in one of several selectable rotational orientations. The preferred modular package holders (18) may be in the form of a finger support holder (126), a surface protection holder (128) or a multi-nest holder (130), each conformed to the shape and dimensions of a selected package (12). Vertical support to the package holders (18) and the packages (12) is provided by a leaf spring (60) associated with each receiving nest (48) and by an openable and closable gate subassembly (20) associated with each pair of rows of receiving nests (48).

Abstract: The invention is a fluid distillation apparatus (10) which, in its preferred embodiment, includes a cylindrical portion (12) which mates with an end wall (14) and a bell portion (16) to form an enclosed volume (18) within which evaporization and condensation of a selected fluid may take place. A heat exchange rotor assembly (20) is formed of head conductive material and includes intertwined evaporization and condensation channels (52, 54) in spiral array. A central tunnel (58) provides access for vapor from an evaporization volume (24) to a condensation volume (26) with a pressure gradient provided by an impeller (100) urging such passage. A drum motor (68) rotates the drum (40) to facilitate liquid flow in the heat exchange rotor (20). An impure fluid input port (32) and output ports are provided for purified fluid (34), concentrated brine (36) and degassing purposes (38).

Abstract: The present invention in its preferred embodiment is a golf bag device (10) including an interior divider (34) which forms full length club storage compartments (26, 28, 30, and 32) in the bag portion (12). The bag has a longitudinal axis which is offset from the horizontal, thus improving club access. The interior divider (34) is formed from a single sheet of lightweight plastic. The divider (34) further provides longitudinal spatial integrity to the bag (10). The bag portion (12) is further provided with storage pouches (41 and 43) strategically situated so as to avoid contact with the ground. The bag (10) has a rounded triangular cross section to create greater stability when the bag (10) is laid down. The shape of the collar member (22) and the internal compartments (26, 28, 30 and 32) maximizes convenience to the golfer during club storage and retrieval.