Abstract: A cutting tool for severing the end of a copper tube or the like, the tool having a cylindrical post for insertion into the tube end, and a pivotal beam having a cutter wheel mounted at one end. A rotatable knob is mechanically linked to the pivotal beam to cause it to pivot toward and away from the cylindrical post. The entire tool may be rotated about the axis of the tube while the cutter wheel is in contact with the tube to cut a circumferential groove into the tube and thereby to sever the tube.

Abstract: A method for measuring the permeability of a gas through a material, wherein the steps include exposing the material to the gas to be measured and measuring the outgassing characteristics of the material over increments of time to develop exponential expressions representative of the measured amounts and solving the exponential expressions for the diffusion coefficient D and the solubility coefficient S; and then calculating the permeability of the material by forming the product of the diffusion coefficient D and the solubility coefficient S.

Abstract: A method of calibrating and measuring volume flow through a gear-type flowmeter, having a magnetic sensor affixed to the flowmeter to detect incremental movement of the flowmeter teeth. The sensor is connected to an analog-to-digital converter and computer processor, which receives and stores samples of the sensor signals. The samples are compared with subsequently received samples to derive relative gear positions and to calculate volume flow based on the relative gear positions. The samples may also be analyzed and compared with previous samples to detect flowmeter wear and wobble conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-weight disposable/detachable face shield for the protection of the eyes and face of wearers from accidental exposure to infectious, hazardous and undesirable substances. It is of particular interest in the protection of health care workers and professionals and laboratory personnel from accidental exposure to body fluids from infected patients. The shield is attachable to an unmodified, standard surgical mask. The shield comprises a fluid-impervious, transparent panel for protecting the eyes and face of the wearer, and a clip, attached to the panel, which reversibly engages the mask, thereby securely and reversibly holding the face shield to the mask.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of an occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An arch is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing.

Abstract: The digital image recording device includes a tri-linear array of photosensing elements which include a plurality of photosensor pixels. The tri-linear array of photosensing elements is mounted upon a frame for linear movement within a universal housing. The housing is adapted for insertion into the cartridge film slot of a standard view camera. The movement of the array of photosensing elements across an image plane within the standard view camera sequentially senses an image to be recorded. Each row of the tri-linear array of photosensing elements includes a separate color filter stripe which enables the color recording of an image during one pass of the scanner across the image plane. The array of photosensing elements is connected to a storage and processing unit by an electrical cable which permits communication therebetween.

Abstract: Keyboard practice glasses to be worn over the eyes of a student who is learning to sight-read sheet music, which completely prevent the keyboard student from accidentally looking down at his hands on the keyboard while allowing the student full view of the sheet music. The glasses comprise paired lens portions each of which is divided substantially in half to produce a clear region for viewing the sheet music and an opaque or translucent region which prevents viewing of the hands on the keyboard.

Abstract: An automobile anti-theft device connected to the electrical system and fuel line of a vehicle. A control unit is positioned proximate to an operator of an automobile. The control unit has a first display and a key-pad for the generation of a personal access code for transmission to a circuit unit. The circuit unit includes a programmable read-only memory which compares the personal access code to a stored keyed access. The circuit unit generates a second signal upon acceptance of the personal access code by the programmable read-only memory. The second signal is received by a silicon control rectifier which opens a valve attached to the fuel line of an automobile permitting fuel passage to the engine. The control unit includes a locked retractable penetrating adapter which may be retrieved for modification of the stored key access within the programmable read-only memory.