Abstract: The following specification discloses the use of a nickel titanium alloy component referred to as Nitinol for purposes of providing a pre-stressed structure. The alloy component provides stiffness to shell structures and tubular members such as oil well pipes, and conduits, as well as pre-stressed loadings for head bolts on engines or other pre-stressed fasteners. Pre-stressing is accomplished by deforming the Nitinol component below its transformation temperature which can be a cryogenic temperature, after which the Nitinol component returns by its memory to a desired shape for pre-stressing. The foregoing develops a large pre-load on a structural joint, so that successful design applications of Nitinol can pre-load joints with minimum load path offset for a shell or other structure. This minimizes in-plane local moments, as well as eccentric loading, and provides joints of lower weight and less internal volume protrusion.

Abstract: The following specification sets forth a hinge template guide. The hinge template guide facilitates routing of a door jam or frame by means of a router within a prescribed pattern formed by the template. The template has an opening therein for moving the router over the door frame or jam in a prescribed manner so as to cut an opening within the jam for mounting a hinge. The template guide is supported by means of sharpened pins which are driven into the door jam on a temporary basis and are removed by pivotal lever arms mounted on a bracket that are spring biased and journaled for removal of the pins by a levered removal thereof. The entire template is adjustable with regard to the dimensions that are to be cut by means of a rotatable adjustment means for providing the template at a specified margin on the door jam.

Abstract: A first and second stage breathing gas regulator having a first stage redundant piston assembly with a first piston encompassing a second piston. In the eventuality the first piston fails, the second piston provides regulated gas. A safety alarm is provided when a pre-established pressure drop occurs, signalling a decrease in breathing gas by opening to provide gas to drive an audio alarm. The second stage regulator has a balanced second stage that operates with a valve lever in operative relationship to a diaphragm. A hand wheel and cammed valve permit the bypass of breathing gas around the valve of the second stage regulator when required. The outlet of the second stage regulator is provided with a trap door cover to avoid dirt and debris being introduced to the second stage regulator when a hose is not connected thereto.

Abstract: The following specification sets forth a parenteral nutrition trainer. The trainer specifically incorporates a water and stain resistant chest shield with adjustable straps. A storage pouch is fitted to the underside of the chest shield. The shield is formed in a bib-like manner in conjunction with adjustable straps. A training catheter is affixed to the chest shield to simulate an actual implanted catheter. The catheter exits the chest shield in a location where it would normally be used. The catheter is capped with a screw fitting closure that can be used in conjunction with a syringe for training purposes. The catheter extends a distance behind the shield to a plastic fluid receptacle. When not in use, the catheter tubing with its fluid receptacle can be coiled and placed in a storage pouch behind the shield or bib.

Abstract: The following specification sets forth a digital tape erasure conditioning circuit and system in combination with a tape drive. The tape drive is such that it drives a magnetic digital tape across an erasing and recording head within a streaming cartridge tape drive. Information is written onto the tape and subsequently read and checked in a continuous streaming manner to assure the correctness thereof. The tape is driven with respect to its various channels over write and read head portions of the head and returned in the opposite direction for writing and reading on another channel. In order to provide for multiple channels, the head is moved laterally across the face of the tape and when moved, is provided with an air cushion between the tape and the head to prevent laceration and attendant damage to the tape surface. When the tape is to be erased, an AC erasure takes place as opposed to a DC erasure wherein the media is saturated at only one level as it passes the field of the erase head.

Abstract: The following specification discloses an oral hygienic spraying device. The oral hygienic spraying device comprises a material that can be used for oral hygiene disposed within a pump container or pressurized metal bottle having a spring actuated valve that allows for release of the pressurized hygienic material in the form of a spray or mist. The spray or mist is released when the pump or valve is depressed, through a scrubbing cup. The scrubbing cup has a plurality of radially disposed members within the cup for purposes of abrading and scrubbing residue such as plaque, food materials, and the foreign substances from the teeth and gums of a user. The scrubbing cup can be formed as part of the top or head of the oral spraying device so that it sits over the exit from the valve, or it can be separately attached to a valve connection fixture.

Abstract: A spring metacarpophalangeal flexion splint designed for dynamically flexing the metacarpophalangeal joints without restricting normal hand use includes: a proximal phalangeal piece which is adapted to contact and cover the proximal phalanges of the hand and is formed of a resilient metal strip which is substantially covered with a pliant cushioning material; a palm piece adapted to fit into the palmar arch and crease of the hand and is made up of a rigid tube covered with a pliant cushioning material; and a pair of spaced apart generally parallel spring wires. The spring wires are disposed laterally with respect to the hand and connect the proximal phalangeal piece with the palm piece. A loop extension of the spring wires from the palm piece provides a means of attachment for a dorsal strap which is extended between the wires to permit the increase and decrease of tension on the proximal phalangeal splint upon the respective tightening and loosening of the strap.

Abstract: The following disclosure shows a window security system. The window security system comprises a grate or security bar assembly that is hinged to the outside of a window and includes louvres attached to the grate for protecting against the elements and in particular, sunlight. The grate is hinged to the window at one side, while on the other side, it is secured by means of a latch comprising a pointed latch pin which is engaged by a pair of jaws that are pivotally actuated by a toggle member. The toggle member can be actuated by a solenoid or by a hand operated cable or other assembly attached thereto. The solenoid can be either pushbutton operated or operated by means of a smoke detector. The entire assembly, including the grate and the louvres are opened at the time of the smoke detector detecting combustion to protect against entrapping occupants in the building.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a magnetic disk storage case that can be used for such disks, as well as other magnetic memory materials common to computers and word processing. The storage case is formed from a single molded piece of plastic, such as polypropylene in the form of a clamshell or book-like case, having a top and bottom cover. The top cover receives a support ledge having flexible barriers thereon to maintain the magnetic materials stored therebehind on the ledge. The bottom of the case receives the ledge and the magnetic disks therein within a surrounding wall. The entire top cover with the ledge and the disks therein can be accessed by means of a resilient living hinge that allows for the lid to be opened into a clamshell configuration and supported against a stop member, against one of the edge walls, or by means of a channeled arcuate groove in combination with a pin that functions therewith.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a combination backpack and gear bag for use by an underwater diver. The backpack is one wherein a container of gas such as a tank of pressurized gas is held on the back of a diver for purposes of providing a diver with breathing gas while diving. The backpack can be supported by straps across a user's body, or by means of a buoyancy compensator attached to the backpack for supporting the backpack and the tank therewith. The gear bag is such that it allows a backpack to be interconnected thereto. This is possible by means of insertion of the band or other connection means which holds the gas cylinder against the backpack through a passage in the gear bag followed by implacement of the gas cylinder within the gear bag and securing it with the connection means. The gear bag is oriented so that it can include within a portion thereof, carrying space for not only the cylinder, but other attendant apparatus, such as fins, snorkels, wetsuits, gloves, and other diving apparatus.

Abstract: A racetrack guard is disclosed which includes a plurality of spaced-apart upright gooseneck curved posts or stanchions. The exposed ends of the posts or stanchions are covered by and attached to a rail which runs from post to post. On the top of the posts or stanchions are disposed a number of generally L-shaped elongated panels in overlapping relationship from end to end. The panels are attached to the rail and to the stanchions. The panels, which are formed of a resilient, shock absorbing material, overlie the posts to provide a cushioning or shock absorbing surface. These conditions are extremely desirable in protecting a jockey from a serious injury in the event of a fall from a horse during a race.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a touchdown sensor for ultrasonic wire bonding devices. Such ultrasonic wire bonding devices are used for purposes of bonding wires to integrated circuits, package terminations, hybrids, and discrete semiconductor devices. The devices entail the utilization of a transducer that operates in a series resonant mode. The means of exciting the resonant mode is through an electrical signal imparted thereto, so that a tool attached to the transducer can then impart an ultrasonic bond to a wire with which it is placed in contact. The tool attached to the transducer is lowered by the device to a discrete location. The point of contact is monitored by sensing an increased impedance by contact of the tool and dampening of the transducer's resonant mode. This increased impedance is read by means of producing a voltage proportional to transducer current and determining when it has decreased below a previously set reference voltage.

Abstract: A respirator face mask formed from a silicone or other vulcanized rubber with a multi-compound curved face seal having a superior configuration for facial fit. The mask is held by four support buttons and two straps attached thereto having a reverse leverage pulldown effect to pull the mask into contact with the facial area. The four attachment means for the straps are eccentric buttons having an undercut that overrides a loop that can be easily disassociated when the attachment loop is reversed and pulled over the button. A concave configured sealing diaphragm on the exhalation valve provides for substantially uniform opening with less effort than is normally encountered in such valves. A staggered anti-inversion rib on the concave underside of the exhalation valve prevents the diaphragm from inverting to a convex configuration. The valve includes an exhalation valve stack and vent that can be covered at a sharply chamfered opening to provide for a pressure fit test.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a streaming cartridge tape drive, wherein magnetic tape in a cartridge is driven over a magnetic head for purposes of recording and reading information magnetically on the tape. The information is written onto the tape and subsequently read and checked in a continuous streaming manner to assure the correctness thereof. The tape is driven over the first channel of the head in one direction wherein a write and read head on one portion of the tape effectively writes and reads the information imparted thereto. The tape is returned in the other direction over a second channel of the write and read head which respectively writes and reads the information on the tape as it passes thereover in its return direction. Subsequent thereto, the head is moved laterally across the face of the tape to provide for a third and fourth channel, or track, being respectively written and read in the same manner as the previous first and second channels, thereby providing four serpentine tracks.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a breathing gas mask having an elastomeric or plastic main body portion supported by a head band formed with a number of supporting straps for holding the mask to a user's face. The mask has a large viewing lens with an elongated protuberance in the form of a bead extending around the periphery of the viewing lens for purposes of protecting the major lens surface from exposure to impacts and scratching when it is laid on its face. The mask incorporates an oral nasal interior breathing cover with a speaking diaphragm in adjacent relationship thereto to allow for the intake of breathing gas into the oral nasal mask area while allowing for exhalation through a poppet valve in connected relationship to the oral nasal mask. The outer mask seal incorporates a flared interior seal member around the inner periphery thereof which incorporates a compound curve having variable cross sectional shapes around the periphery thereof to allow for a tightened seal to a user's face.