Abstract: A cyclone separator for generating snow from liquid carbon dioxide comprising a flexible frustoconical member having an open upper end and an open lower end and defining a separation chamber. Injection nozzles having orifices for injecting liquid carbon dioxide located in the upper end of the separation chamber. Each injection nozzle is radially spaced inwardly from the frustoconical member and the orifice of each nozzle is directed outwardly toward the frustoconical member so that liquid carbon dioxide injected into the separation chamber forms a mixture of snow and vapor which is discharged from the open lower end of the frustoconical member. A mechanical impactor mounted at the lower end of the frustoconical member to contact the frustoconical member and loosen snow which builds up in the separation chamber.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a fiberoptic pressure gauge suitable for use with a tank of compressed gas. In particular, the tank of compressed gas can be utilized by an industrial worker, a fireman, or a diver wherein breathing gas has been stored in a tank to allow for delivery thereof to a user. The pressure within the tank which is indicative of the supply of gas for delivery to a user's mask, is monitored by means of a bourdon tube type of movement that is connected to a shutter overlying a lighting source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting source is in optical relationship to a plurality of fiberoptic bundles that terminate at a distal end in a plurality of ends that are placed in calibrated relationship to a plurality of numbers indicative of the pressure within the tank.

Abstract: The following disclosure discloses a pressurized irrigating oral scrubber for the removal of bacterial plaque and deleterious residue and food particles on a user's teeth. The irrigator incorporates a pressurized source of fluid, such as a liquid in the form of tap water or a solution of water and oral hygienic material. The source of fluid can be provided by fluid under pressure that has been reduced, such as from a tap, or a pumping unit which pressurizes the fluid for irrigation purposes. The fluid which is pressurized is delivered through a nozzle or opening to the areas to be irrigated in adjacent relationship to a concave scrubbing cup. The scrubbing cup has a concave or depressed area therein with a relieved surface within the cup in the form of ribs or protuberances to allow for a scrubbing function of the teeth in the area between the gums and the teeth as well as the teeth, while at the same time irrigating and rinsing the residue as it is scrubbed and removed by the scrubbing cup.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a process and burner for combusting fossil fuels such as coal to provide low SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x emissions. The process includes pulverizing the coal together with an alkaline material, such as limestone in an amount calculated to provide an alkaline metal stoichiometric equivalent of one to seven times the stoichiometric equivalent of the sulphur contained in the coal. The resulting pulverized coal-limestone mix is then combusted under fuel rich conditions. For example, 25% of the theoretical air required to combust the coal is preheated and injected into the combustion zone together with the pulverized coal-limestone mixture. The primary or transport air is swirled to increase mixing and to stabilize the flame. Preheated secondary air is introduced to the combustion zone. The amount of the preheated secondary air amounts to approximately 40% to about 100% of the theoretically required air.

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 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: A magnetic cassette storage enclosure is described in the following specification, configured as a book-like pair of overlying covers that are hinged along a side analogous to a binding. One of the covers has a pivotal tray-like insert connected thereto that can be laid between the enclosure formed between the two covers. The tray-like insert has shelves or ledges formed in staggered relationship on the tray-like insert. The staggered shelves or ledges have a protuberance which locks a magnetic cassette into the tray while tabs receive the cassette spindle openings to prevent them from moving. The protuberances are spaced above the shelves or ledges. They are formed of a resilient material which can be flexed so as to frictionally engage the magnetic cassettes when inserted between the protuberances and the respective ledges in their staggered relationship.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a parts handling and storage system that can be directed toward the handling and storage of electronic components. The storage portion comprises a movable cabinet on wheels having a plurality of elongated tubular members or channels that receive components or parts along the length thereof. The tubular members or channels are driven on a linked basis parallel to each other by a gear movement and chain drive. In this manner, the channels themselves in their linked relationship form a chain of axially elongated links. Each respective channel or tubular member can be indexed at a given point for exposing the parts therein, so that they can be moved therealong into an adjacent track or channel or other handling means. The storage cabinet and tubular channel members when combined with an extended track can be associated at the end of the track with a second storage cabinet for receiving the parts after they have been processed from the first storage cabinet.

Abstract: The following disclosure shows a combination valise and backrest having a compartment for carrying articles such as those articles used at the beach. The valise has two triangularly shaped end panels and a base. Overlying the edge of the end panels and affixed thereto are a pair of front and rear walls or side panels. Both of the walls or side panels are secured by means of an upper brace in the form of a rod that is supported across the upper portions of the triangular end panels which accommodate the rods in an overcenter slot configuration. The walls or side panels are comprised in part of a piece of sheet material which can be extended in connected relationship as a part thereof. The sheet of material forms a seat that can be unfolded from the side walls or panels in extended relationship for seating purposes. At the same time, the wall or side panel provides a backrest that is held in place by the weight of one sitting on the extended sheet connected to the side panel.

Abstract: An adjustable finger splint made entirely of a single piece of spring steel wire which is bent into a configuration which includes a central arcuate section adapted to cup a portion of the circumferential curve of one of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of a finger or thumb. A pair of substantially arcuate arms extend in opposite directions from the ends of the central section in a lengthwise manner generally following the anatomical conformation of a finger which is to be splinted. A pair of arcuate support pieces in a somewhat rectangular shape are formed from the terminal ends of the arms. These support pieces are designed to cup the part of the finger into which they are in contact. The splint is worn with the terminal arm support pieces either under the finger for extension of the finger, or the terminal arm support pieces can be worn on the top of the finger for flexion of the finger. Heat sealed foam pads cover the central arcuate section and the terminal arm support pieces for comfort.

Abstract: The disclosure of this specification illustrates and teaches the use of a self contained breathing apparatus for attachment to a user's back and incorporates a plurality of tanks having a manifold between them that is common to all with a single filling block leading thereto, and a reserve system mounted at one end thereof. The reserve system comprises a poppet valve which signals a loss in pressure by closing, after which it can then be actuated to open it for supplying the remaining portion of the reserve breathing gas through the manifold.The system also has a first and second stage regulator to provide regulated breathing gas to a user. The first stage regulator incorporates a dynamically balanced piston which is supported by an O Ring or torroidal member that is deformed through its cross section to provide movement to the valving piston. The O Ring is eliptical through its cross section.

Abstract: A pie crust shaper for a bottom pie crust comprising a flat, integrally formed open bottom section having a central area from which a plurality of radial spokes extend outwardly to a concentric circumferential band. Around the circumferential band are rotatably fastened a plurality of flat, substantially A-shaped flaps. The pie crust shaper is provided with a plurality of punched out pricking elements where it contacts a pie crust, as well as a central ring for purposes of handling the pie crust shaper. The device can be formed of metal, or of other materials such as plastic which are transparent to microwave radiation.

Abstract: A magnetic disk and card storage enclosure is described in the following specification configured as a book-like pair of overlying covers that are hinged along a side analogous to a binding. One of the covers has a pivotal tray-like insert connected thereto that can be laid within the enclosure formed between the two covers. The tray-like enclosure can store disks in their entirety or be divided with a wall to provide two adjunct compartments for rectangular magnetic cards. The other cover which is not connected to the insert has a ledge or side wall therearound which forms an internal cavity or enclosure for the entire insert to be laid therein and enclosed when the top and bottom covers are laid in overlying relationship to each other. The insert has a pair of flexible fan tabs which can receive the magnetic disks or cards therebehind for spreading them in a flexible and facile manner. The entire case can be formed from plastic with living hinges for opening and closing the case.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a mobile home support having means for supporting a mobile home during earthquake tremors and wind storms to prevent the collapse thereof. The support comprises an axle support which supports the normally spring weight and is formed from a plate supported by upright stanchions for purposes of accommodating the bolts or lugs of the wheel drums of the mobile home. The stanchions are braced with cross members in angular relationship for purposes of allowing cross lateral stresses to be absorbed within the structure on a basis providing both lateral and axial support. The axle of the mobile home is attached to the cross members with a bracket, thereby creating a cross linked stress support in angularly oriented relationship providing support under the normally sprung load of the mobile home in combination with the axle.

Abstract: A stethoscope head having a bell and a diaphragm. The bell is offset from the diaphragm axis. The bell axis intersects the diaphragm axis at an acute angle of not less than twenty degrees or more than seventy degrees, and preferably at thirty degrees. A selectively movable valve is provided to connect the bell and the diaphragm, individually, to an airway which may be connected to a sound tube leading to binaurals. The valve comprises a cylindrical spool seated and totally supported within a cylindrical bore in the head body.

Abstract: The following specification discloses an aerial gunnery target that is adapted to be towed by an aircraft at high speeds for gunnery training and aircraft weapons qualifications. The assembly comprises a multiplicity of strands or cords such as twisted and plyed polypropylene lines. Each of said strands is secured at the forward end on a towing frame having various configurations which include circles, bars, radial extensions, and other configurations, including hexagons and triangles. The towing frame is pulled by means of a conventional towing cable and may have arms that extend outwardly upon deployment by aerodynamic forces, or may be rigidly constructed in the desired shape. The elongated multiplicity of cords extend backwardly from the frame to a terminal point, such as an analogous frame or a confluence point, such as a ring, where they are attached in coupled relationship, or any other terminal means for securing the ends of the elongated cord elements.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a retractable awning for a vehicle. The awning has a portion which serves to form the outside cover thereof when it is stowed and has a plurality of main bracing arms that are angularly secured to the side of the vehicle by brackets attached thereto and a pair of stabilizer arms which stabilize the awning in an extended position when held by the angular bracing members. Both the bracing arms and the stabilizer arms fold into a lead bar which can be wrapped within the awning proper and attached to the side of the vehicle whereby a portion of the awning forms a cover therefor. A pair of fairings or nacelles are secured to the ends of the awning when it is in its stowed condition in order to maintain the awning in a smooth, streamlined configuration.