Abstract: A method of protecting surfaces of structural items from exposure to the elements, which includes forming first and second protective films upon the surface to be protected. The primary coating is an adherent-coherent film having a formulation including:1. Methylmethacrylate copolymer film formers2. A solvent system of toluene and 2-methoxyethanol3. Fillers, such as SiO.sub.24. Miscellaneous solvents.which is applied as a working film-forming solution and permitted to air dry. Thereafter, a secondary or top coating of an adherent-coherent film is applied over the surface of the primary coating, with the top coat or secondary coating having a formulation including:1. Thermoplastic Rubber2. Fillers, such as SiO.sub.2 and CaCO.sub.33. Tackifier4. Heat and Light Stabilizers5. Miscellaneous Solventsand applied in a working solution and permitted to air dry.

Abstract: A sensing circuit for a cardiac stimulator which can adapt to the use therewith of either bipolar leads or unipolar leads without the need for telemetric programming of a switch internal to the implanted pacemaker. If a unipolar lead is plugged into the terminal receptacle of the pacer at the time of implant, the pacer will sense R-wave activity and other artifacts between a distal tip electrode and the metal body of the pacemaker, but if a bipolar lead is plugged into that same receptacle at the time of implant, the pacer will sense such artifacts between a tip electrode and a ring electrode spaced a predetermined short distance proximally of the tip electrode along the surface of the lead body.

Abstract: A system and apparatus operative in a winterizing mode for controllably filling hot and cold water supply lines with anti-freeze to prevent against burst pipes and, in a summerizing mode, for pump recovering the anti-freeze. In one embodiment, the system includes a closed loop, valve containing path having a separate pump, filter and anti-freeze tank. In other alternative embodiments, the water supply tank and a four-way valve are coupled to the closed loop path for switchably operating in the winterizing/summerizing modes, without resorting to a separate pump.

Abstract: A gauge for determining the relative proportions of materials to be added to a container to achieve a desired, predetermined mixture. More precisely, the gauge of the invention measures the level of the mixture remaining in the container and indicates the amount of at least one element of the mixture to be added to the tank before filling the tank with the other element of the mixture to achieve the desired ratio of elements when the tank is full. The gauge is comprised of a cap, gasket, and calibrated stick having a hinge member and retaining feet.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion in a body orifice or blood vessel comprising an elongated tubular body with a soft, symmetrically deformable member on the distal end thereof for decreasing the likelihood of injury to body tissue upon the insertion and removal thereof. In one embodiment, the tip member comprises a toroidally shaped inflatable and non-distensible expandable "balloon" mounted on the end of the otherwise relatively rigid tip of the catheter. The catheter has a lumen extending the length thereof and communicating with the tip member whereby a fluid may be introduced to control the size, shape and firmness of the tip member. In a second embodiment, the soft deformable tip member comprises an annular plastic or rubber sleeve surrounding the otherwise rigid tip of the catheter and normally extending there beyond by a predetermined distance. The thickness or composition of the sleeve is varied about a circumferential ring so as to provide a preferred location for the collapse of the sleeve.

Abstract: A laminated material and method, a liner using the material, and several methods of manufacturing the material.

Abstract: A microfiche reader transport system permitting the automatic and selective accessing of one of a plurality of microfilm frames mounted on a microfiche card. The transport system is independently actuable in the X and Y directions via stepper motor means which are, in turn, selectively controlled via an operator keyboard and a programmable microprocessor controller responsive thereto. The transport system further has the capability of accommodating microfiche cards of various frame formats, and includes means for adaptively adjusting to different magnification ratios of the reader optics and for audibly prompting and verifying operator selections and error conditions.

Abstract: A portable infusion pump for controllably supplying a programmed volume of medicant to a patient. The apparatus generally comprises a small, portable container having a keyboard for programming the mode of operation and operating parameters, whereby a microprocessor controls the pump in the various BASAL, SUPPLEMENTAL OR MANUAL dose delivery modes. The apparatus also contains a photo-coupler controlled driven lead screw assembly for controlling the stroke of the syringe plunger, whereby metered doses of the medicant are injected into the patient; display means for confirming programmed inputs; means for audibly warning of error conditions; and means for recording the total cummulative dosage delivered.

Abstract: A carpet handling tool for facilitating the gripping and pulling of carpeting by its edges. The tool comprises two arcuately curved handle members which are pivotally coupled together to form a fulcrum. Individually attached to each handle member is a gripper jaw in the form of a generally flat plate having its leading edge bent at a right angle and arranged such that the leading edge of one jaw member overlaps that of the other to define a predetermined space therebetween. When a segment of carpet is placed between the jaw members and the arcuate handles are squeezed together, the carpet is tightly gripped by the jaws and a substantial, two-handed pulling force may be applied to the handle members to manipulate the carpet.

Abstract: A horizontal wrapping machine which includes a former for shaping a continuous film of packaging material drawn past the former into a continuous tube, a film drive for drawing the continuous film of packaging material past the former and past a cutting and sealing station, a product infeed drive for feeding products to be packaged through the former into the continuous tube of packaging material so that the products are spaced apart from one another in the tube, and a pair of motor-driven cut-heads at the cutting and sealing station for cutting and sealing the continuous tube of packaging material as each product moves past the cutting and sealing station. The horizontal wrapping machine further includes independent closed loop servo control circuits for the film drive, product infeed drive, and cut-head drive, each of which are responsive to a desired velocity control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning endless abrasive belts utilized for sanding and grinding operations, wherein substantially the entire belt is enclosed within a shroud and wherein intermittent blasts of compressed gaseous fluid are directed onto the surface of the belt as it traverses its orbital path. Specifically, the compressed gas is directed onto the surface of the belt within the shroud and at a point wherein the belt is wrapped about the surface of the roller, which opens the grid pattern slightly. The intermittent utilization of compressed gaseous fluid utilizes a substantially lower volume of compressed fluid than would be required on a continuous basis, and furthermore the arrangement has been found to clean the surfaces of abrasive belts more effectively than can be accomplished with a continuous discharge. The shroud which encloses substantially the entire length of the endless abrasive belt reduces dust discharge.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use as a safety switch for doors of lifts or elevators, the contact push rod of which is actuated by a switching roller when the roller is turned by means of an inserted actuating member. The switching roller comprises two axially spreadable switching roller portions that can be spread against the force of a spring by a pin specially provided for that purpose on the actuating member; if there is no pin on the actuating member, the roller strikes a stop before the switch is closed.

Abstract: A mechanically-driven, low-profile, portable turntable for use in cooking ovens, especially microwave ovens, for rotating food stuffs while cooking. All moving parts, except the power spring used to drive the turntable are formed from low loss plastic and the spring is contained in a microwave reflective case to preclude overheating thereof. The low profile is achieved by providing a unique drive mechanism for the turntable in which the power spring driven gear is made to partially surround and envelop the spring case. Further, the gear train cooperating with the main power spring driven gear and with a speed-controlling governor is effectively "wrapped" about the spring case in a concentric fashion with the individual gears in the gear train being vertically overlapped.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a tube from a web of paper or film. A perforated endless belt has at least one vacuum box applied to the underside of one run. The web is fed onto the belt and held down by it. The leading portion of the web is folded rearwardly and the longitudinal edges of the web are folded inwardly to create a tube. The thus formed tube is continuously withdrawn rearwardly while product is inserted into the opening which is continuously being formed in the tube. The tube is longitudinally sealed and thereafter transversely sealed and transversely cut to form individual pouches.

Abstract: A brake arrangement for a snowmobile vehicle of the type having a so-called mono-body suspension system. In this arrangement, the snowmobile's engine shaft is coupled through a conventional variable speed drive system to a jack shaft which is journaled for rotation with respect to the frame of the vehicle. Pivotally coupled on one end of the jack shaft is a chain case which encloses a sprocket wheel. A support arm on the other end of the jack shaft extends parallel to the chain case. Extending between the sprocket wheel on the jack shaft and a further sprocket wheel associated with the snowmobile's track drive shaft is an endless chain. That track drive shaft is journaled for rotation between the spaced-apart rails defining an orbital path of motion for the ground-engaging track of the vehicle. The rail system defining the orbital path is joined to the frame proximate the rear of the snowmobile vehicle by means of shock absorbers.

Abstract: A high-voltage, non-destructive inspection system for detecting nails, and/or cuts and holes in vehicle tires. The system employs a high-voltage head mounted within the tire and a reference head outside the tire opposite to the high-voltage head. The high-voltage head and reference head span the tire tread axially. The inspection is performed in one revolution of the tire.High-voltage pulses are impressed upon the high-voltage head, and the amplitude and pulse widths are variably selected, commensurate with the type of tire being tested. When a cut, hole or a nail in the tire passes between the high-voltage head and the reference head, an electric arc forms and current passes through the tire. This arc can be visually observed and also electronically detected. Upon detection, via an electronic detection circuit, a lamp lights and the tire rotation is stopped, thus facilitating location of the flaw, via a manual mode.

Abstract: A strip nozzle assembly containing a detachable, pressure regulating inlet coupler and a plurality of pressure regulating outlet nozzles, whereby agricultural sprays may be strip applied. The assembly having particular application in a modular spraying system adaptable to either broadcast or strip spraying. Compatibility with system pressure and desired flow rates are achieved via flat plate, sharped edge orifices that in one embodiment are arranged in a series/parallel configuration.

Abstract: A portable turntable for use in microwave ovens which is used as a supporting base for a container of food which is cooked within the oven and adapted to gradually rotate the same, the apparatus including an electric motor which is mounted in and enclosed by a metal housing which housing has cavities tuned to capture the microwaves in the oven to power the turntable. The metal housing is enclosed by an outer enclosure of non-metallic material to prohibit electrical arcing between the metal portions and the oven walls.