Abstract: A mechanical drive mechanism of the endless belt and pulley type having an improved belt tensioning arrangement. The shaft of the machine being driven (or that of the driving member itself) is eccentrically journaled with respect to its cylindrical bearing hub and a rigid arm having a first bore therethrough is disposed with the hub of the machine centered in that first bore. Located at the opposed end of the rigid arm is a parallel bore in which the other drive or driven shaft is journaled. Because of the eccentricity between the first shaft and its hub, as the arm is rotated about the hub as a center, the distance between the centers of the driving and driven shafts is increased or decreased, depending upon the direction of rotation of the rigid arm. As such, the tension of the endless belt coupling the drive and driven pulleys can be varied.

Abstract: A programmable cardiac pacemaker that is selectively programmable via a radio frequency communications link into one of a plurality of a single and dual chamber pacing modes. Depending upon the mode selected, an associated plurality of pacing parameters may be programmed, each within a predetermined range of possible magnitudes.The pacemaker includes a rate smoothing function for preventing the rate interval from changing by more than a predetermined percentage on a cycle-to-cycle basis; and a graceful degradation function for causing the ventricular pacing rate to decay when the atrial rate exceeds a programmed upper rate limit for a predetermined length of time. A graceful degration onset time and rate of decay are also programmable. Additionally, the pacemaker contains a set of pre-programmed alternative pacing parameters for at least one mode and which can be independently reverted to.The pacemaker control circuitry is organized about a central bus into an I/O controller and a pacing controller.

Abstract: An off-the-road vehicle having at least two rear wheels mounted on axles which are journaled for rotation within the housing of a torque transfer type differential whereby drive power from the motor is coupled to the slower rotating one of the two rear axles.

Abstract: A catheter assembly designed for long term or short term implantation in an animal body comprising a flexible tube of a biocompatible polymeric material in which plural electrical conductors are helically wound at a predetermined pitch with the conductors being laterally offset from one another and totally buried between the walls of the tube whereby many conductive signal paths can be established through the catheter without increasing its overall diameter. The inclusion of the helically wound conductors in the walls of the tube also allows the torque transfer, flexibility and structural properties to be tailored to fit a variety of applications. Such a catheter may be used as a cardiac pacer lead assembly or as an instrument for carrying out various diagnostic catheterization procedures.

Abstract: A computer-controlled machine for printing business documents, such as, checks, check vouchers, check registers and other forms used in quantity. Paper stock of varying dimensions, color or other characteristics is loaded into individual hoppers or trays in a paper input module. Under computer control, predetermined numbers of sheets are extracted from the plural hoppers in a prescribed sequence and transported, in proper alignment, to a first printing station where alpha/numeric characters are printed on the paper sheets by means of a non-impact xerographic printer in accordance with preprogrammed instructions. Next, the partially completed documents are serially transported, again in proper alignment, to a further printing station where MICR characters are impressed on the sheets using a drum and hammer-type printer, again with format, spacing and positioning controlled by a preprogrammed microcomputer system.

Abstract: A farm game having a price board, dice silo, money, farm record sheets, homestead plats and various commodities. The dice silo displays a chance selected die with a marked subdivision of the silo face plate, and the price board is divided into sections equal in number to the dice in the silo. The dice set a price or quote marked on the price board from which the players conduct transactions.

Abstract: Bonding means for achieving differential adhesion of articles such as picture frames, posters, or other decorative items to wall surfaces and the like. The bonding device has adhesives secured to each of two major surfaces, with the adhesive having differential adhesion characteristics. A first adhesive is selected to achieve permanent bonding of the bonding means to the article to be displayed, with the second adhesive layer being an adhesive with low peel-low shear properties to permit removal from the wall surface whenever desired. The second adhesive provides semi-permanent positioning of the article being displayed, but permits removal thereof upon demand. The bonding means comprises a substrate with a first substantially permanent adhesive layer secured to one surface thereof, and with a co-extruded polyolefin-polyester film being bonded to the second surface thereof, and including a second adhesive layer applied to the polyester surface of the co-extruded film portion.

Abstract: In a horizontal packaging machine for wrapping and sealing articles with flexible films, a servo control system for maintaining synchronism between the finwheel drive, the in-feed conveyer and the cut-off knife assembly so that proper registration of the graphic art work on the packaged article is achieved. The finwheels are driven by a D.C. motor whose armature windings are connected to the output of a servo amplifier. A master tachometer driven by the horizontal wrapper's drive motor provides a voltage which is directly proportional to the angular velocity of that drive motor. The output from the master tachometer is passed through a calibrating network and into a first input of the servo amplifier circuit. A second tachometer is coupled to the finwheel shaft and produces a feedback signal proportional to the angular velocity of the finwheels. The feedback signal is applied to the second input of the servo amplifier and functions to control the D.C. current driving the finwheel drive motor.

Abstract: A method of forming a soft, deformable tip at the distal end of an elongated, flexible catheter made from a thermoplastic or elastomeric material in which the tip portion is first heated to soften the plastic and, subsequently, a specially prepared forming tool is inserted into the lumen of the catheter at the distal end and advanced to the point where an annular protuberance of a predetermined outside diameter is forced into the lumen so as to stretch and shape the plastic to conform to the forming tool. The distal end is then cooled and the forming tool removed, leaving a soft, collapsible segment integrally formed at the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A cordless graphics input device system for use with a computer. The device comprises an infrared emitting module useable on any surface adjacent a detector having a pair of patterned concave sensors. Coordinate information is determined via a detector contained microprocessor relative to the sensed analog position data.

Abstract: A snowmobile track drive system wherein the track drive sprockets and idler wheels are mounted to a hollow framed enclosure interior to the track. Slide rails are also mounted to the edges of the enclosure and about which the endless track revolves. The hollow enclosure is further pivotally mounted to the front of the snowmobile chassis, while the back end of the track assembly is pivotally mounted to the chassis via a pair of shock absorbers. Snow and ice buildup interior to the track and encountered shocks are thus reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus having a plurality of controlled overlapping chain drives, each chain drive containing a plurality of raised members for receiving collated stacks of mailing literature and conveying the literature over their successive paths in synchrony with a collating assembly to a film wrapping assembly coupled at the opposite end thereof. Independently hinged overlying hold-down assemblies prevent the collating material from curling or otherwise becoming disassembled before wrapping in a film wrapper or in a paper wrapper.

Abstract: A tubular angiographic catheter containing a wrapped multi-apertured film embedded in the walls thereof. The film material and aperture size, shape and pattern may be varied to produce a tailored torque transfer characteristic for enhancing the maneuverability of the distal end of the catheter by manipulating its proximal end.

Abstract: Apparatus for controllably admitting a sample volume of engine exhaust into a bifurcated, closed-loop opacity chamber and wherein the exhaust sample is controllably directed away from the internal optics via symmetric flow inducing air guides. A pulsed light source is controllably directed through the opacity chamber and exhaust sample and the detected light is compared to a reference level so as to determine a relative measure of the sample's opacity. Attendant control circuitry permits the selected display of corresponding sample opacity and density values.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a block of stone so as to form a precision straight edge about its perimeter. The machine comprises a stationary base which supports a back-up member which serves as an anvil. Reciprocally mounted on the base is an inside upright assembly which may be raised or lowered by a suitable drive mechanism. Pivotally secured to the inside upright assembly above the anvil is a head member supporting an elongated blade assembly, the blade assembly adapted to be actuated by one or more hydraulic rams disposed in the head assembly and at generally opposite ends of the blade assembly. A block of stone to be cut is positioned on the anvil. The tiltable head assembly is then rotated about its pivot line to direct the action of the upper blade. The blade assembly is lowered so as to be positioned slightly above the upper surface of the stone. By selectively activating one or the other of the power rams, the blade is made to pass through the block of stone in a scissors-like action.

Abstract: A temperature controller for monitoring the temperature of a rotating heating system and regulating the temperature relative to a desired temperature. A transmitter within the rotating system coupled to a remote stationary controller via slip rings produces a magnitude varying current control signal within a calibrated range at a magnitude proportional to the sensed temperature. A pair of voltage dividers within the transmitter establish the level and range of current magnitude relative to a constant current source. The remote stationary controller compares the current control signal to a set-point and synchronously supplies power to the heater elements of the rotating system, so long as the sensed temperature is below the desired temperature.

Abstract: A machine for surfacing floors by laying down a floor covering compositions, as for example asphalt, comprises an anchoring base that may be braced between two floors or bolted to the floor under it. On the base there is a pivoting boom made up of articulated links with upright pivot axes. At its outer end, there is a floor working head fixed on the boom. The base is made up of two separate leveling units placed at 90 deg to each other as well as a height adjustment unit. By providing a separate anchoring base, it is possible for the floor surfacing machine to be used both indoors and outdoors. It also allows simple and accurate leveling of the end of the boom and facilitates the working of a very wide range of different flooring compositions over large areas.

Abstract: Anti-theft apparatus for protecting an uncoupled trailer, including a portion mountable within the ball receiving end of a trailer and also including a U-shaped member and a draw bar insertable through the legs thereof for securing the assembly to the trailer tongue. A housing formed on one side of the U-shaped member protects a padlock secured to a slot in the dead bolt.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of medical instruments and particularly to an applicator used to apply a frozen solid such as ice to a wound or injury to treat the wound or injury. The invention is comprised of first and second container means. The first container means has an open top of a predetermined size, a tapered side wall and a bottom having a central opening therethrough. The second container means has a shape conforming at least in part to that of the first container means, an open top and a closed bottom. The two container means are fitted together by placing the bottom of the first means into the top of the second container means. The device can then be filled with liquid and frozen until needed. When in use as an applicator, the second container means is removed and the first container means serves as a handle for applying the frozen solid.

Abstract: A computerized system for examining single engine performance capabilities and developing alternate routes/routings for two-engine aircraft in compliance with FAR 121.19 (driftdown, one engine inoperative) such that an attendant loss of altitude will not result in the aircraft dropping below a net flight path altitude and clearance distance with respect to the earth's surface along a given route between a flight originating point and a destination. Included as a part of the computation are the radius of action fuel capabilities which takes into consideration the "maximum continuous thrust", the power demands on the remaining engine, air density-temperature change attendant with altitude loss, and real time wind conditions.