Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope system for producing images that can be perceived in three dimensions. An endoscope apparatus includes a sheath carrying a light source and two independent fixed lens endoscopes. Collimated light from the proximal ends of each endoscope are directed along folded optical paths to independent video cameras. The images generated by the video cameras energize monitors in a virtual reality display device that can be positioned proximate an observer's eyes. Adjustable mirrors and the provision of the rotation of at least one of the video cameras on its axis facilitate the alignment of the images for maximum effect.

Abstract: An absorption refrigerator which is capable of effectively using energy without a necessity of enlarging the size thereof, the absorption refrigerator having a structure that a cylindrical wall is provided for an inner wall portion raised because of a stepped portion of the bottom surface of a double-tube unit so that a refrigerant retainer for accumulating water allowed to downwards flow along the outer surface of a cold-water tube is formed. A refrigerant-circulating passage is connected to the bottom surface of the refrigerant retainer. Another end of the refrigerant-circulating passage is connected to a refrigerant supply passage. When a pump is operated, water in the refrigerant retainer is supplied to a water-receiving pan so as to again be sprayed to the outer surface of the cold-water tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a soft finish on a fabric such as a suede tone, raised loops, broken loops or fleeced and for providing a faded effect such as a washed or faded denim. A fillet having a plurality of wires extending therefrom is wound on a cylinder of a finishing machine. The outer ends of the wires extending from the fillet are angled at approximately 80.degree. from vertical. The wires are covered with an abrasive coating which is applied by an arc spray system. The coating extends around the perimeter of the wire from at least just below the bend of the wires and extending to the outer tip of the wires. The fabric is driven over a nip roll that is adjusted to bring the fabric in closer contact with the wires on the cylinder which is rotating. An alternative embodiment of accomplishing the same type of soft finish such as suede or washed or faded denim finish is accomplished with multi rolls (or kiss rolls) finish machinery using the coated wire fillet on each roll.

Abstract: A serpentine cross-section piezoelectric linear actuator includes a unitary, densified, rigid, monolithic piezoelectric or electrostrictive ceramic body, the body including a top, four sides generally normal to and interconnected with the top, a base generally normal to and interconnected with the sides, and two or more ceramic layers including a top ceramic layer providing the top, a bottom ceramic layer providing the bottom, and, optionally, one or more intermediate ceramic layers, the layers being disposed parallel to and superimposed over one another. Each ceramic layer except the top ceramic layer is joined at a first side to one of the ceramic layers adjacent thereto by a first ceramic bridge and each ceramic layer except the bottom ceramic layer is joined at a second side opposite the first side to another of the ceramic layers adjacent thereto by a second ceramic bridge.

Abstract: The device is used for compensating a hyper transparency area due to air inside or outside an organ while using a gantry mounting radiography apparatus with digital subtraction (DSA). The device comprises compensating filters and a supporting assembly for connecting the filters in front of the X-ray source. Each filter extends in a filter plane while the organ defines a median plane in which the rotation axis of the arms of the apparatus is substantially lying. The supporting assembly is designed to keep the filter in front of the X-ray source and in registry with the X-ray source and the hyper transparency area while keeping the filter plane parallel to the reference plane during rotation of the arms. Unlike existing X-ray compensating devices which are stationary, the present invention automatically sets itself for radiography of different views in function of the rotation of the arms of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for linking electrical devices, such as switches, to three live phases and neutral of a.c. mains supply, has three main conductors and two neutral strips embedded in a solid body of polymeric material in a mold housing. The neutral strips are on opposite sides of the body and are interconnected by a spacer tube having its ends clamped against the strips by a threaded rod passed through the tube and engaging nuts. The conductors and strips are made from cut and folded conductive sheets presenting projecting terminals. At each side of the body there are groups of three live and one neutral terminal, the live terminals being individually offset and the neutral terminals being at different ends of the live terminals on opposite sides so that an arrangement results in which the groups on one side are respectively aligned with groups on the other side.

Abstract: An electrically operated, strong, security system comprising a lock with remote control installed in a wall adjacent to a door frame. The lock comprises rods which extend into the door when the door is closed and in a locked state. In an unlocked state an actuator retracts the rods from the door, back into the door frame. The security lock system provides a manual control for the lock inside a house or building along with indicator lights showing the lock status. An emergency DC battery provides power for the security lock if there is a primary power outage. A remote control locks all doors in the house simultaneous that have such a security lock, and the remote control unlocks only the door or doors selected to be unlocked.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-drop distribution apparatus capable of installed in small space and of allowing transmission of large currents, the distribution apparatus having the same characteristics of a coaxial cylinder. A housing (1) has on its inner wall a groove (6a) interposed between a cable connecting portion (3) and a main line connection terminal (5b). The cable connecting portion (3) and the terminal (5b) are interconnected by a conductive rod (6) disposed in the groove (6a) without being in contact with the inner wall of the groove (6a). A dielectric block (7) is penetrated by the conductive rod (6a) so as to be slidable in the groove (6a).

Abstract: A dual flow nozzle shield of a plasma-arc torch positioned in front of a torch end cap and secured in such position by a shield retaining cap. The shield is made from lava or wonderstone ceramics or copper materials. The shield has three support feet for resting on a counterbore section of one end of the cylindrical torch end cap and for providing space between the shield and the shield retaining cap for gas bypass around the outside of the shield. An alternate embodiment of the nozzle shield comprises a plurality of notches around the perimeter of the shield for the bypass gas to pass through. A primary gas enters the shield with a portion of the primary gas going through an orifice in the center of the shield. Both embodiments have a backflow or bypass portion of the primary gas that does not go through the orifice, but instead goes back up and through the space between the posts in one embodiment or the notches in the second embodiment and comes down over the outer side of the shield.

Abstract: Whenever necessary, an operation for diluting an absorbing solution after the stop of the operation is unlimitedly enabled without increasing the size of an absorption refrigerating machine. For the dilution operation after the operation of the absorption refrigerating machine, a pipe line of a dilute solution circulating pipe KD is opened by a dilution valve VD. Thereby, a solution pump P1 and an absorber A can be directly connected through a circulating pipe K6. The operation of the solution pump allows circulating a low-concentration solution and facilitates the dilution of a high-concentration solution to a low concentration. Since this case has nothing to do with a pressure difference in a path, the dilution operation can be performed whenever necessary. Moreover, since it is unnecessary to deal with a pressure loss, it is not necessary to increase the height of the apparatus.

Abstract: A disposable ultraviolet dosimeter for rapid visual estimation of cumulative exposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Abstract: A hot beverage lid having thermal protective flex-guards or flaps extending from opposite sides of a cover portion of the lid for protecting a consumer's fingers from heat emanating from the side of a cup. A first flap extends a first distance from under a drinking opening having sufficient area for a thumb. A second flap extends a second distance which is greater than the first flap from the opposite side of the lid and has sufficient area for at least two fingers. Each flap is contoured to conform to the curvature or the sidewall of the cup and each flap comprises swirled rib embossing for improved retention against fingers holding the cup. The top of the cover portion is concave with a hole in the center to allow liquid spillage to reenter the cup. Also, a channel surrounding the base of a circular plateau on top of the cover of the lid is provided for collecting fluid spillage.

Abstract: A sealed slide switch having a toggle mechanism with a handle extending through a housing into a cavity of a slide. An O-ring on the handle seals any opening between the base of the handle and the housing. A surface plate retains the slide of the switch on top of the housing. A plug in the bottom of the housing provides electrical connections between the toggle mechanism and an application circuit.

Abstract: A two-piece, plastic, container particularly attractive for serving Margarita drinks and other well-known cocktails. A receptacle portion includes double flared side walls with a two-stage tapered plug on the bottom. The upper-stage of the plug secures the receptacle in a base portion and the lower stage of the plug provides for nesting of a plurality of receptacles to provide a compact and secure arrangement when packaged for shipping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a soft finish on a fabric such as a suede tone, raised loops, broken loops or fleeced and for providing a faded effect such as a washed or faded denim. A fillet having a plurality of wires extending therefrom is wound on a cylinder of a finishing machine. The outer ends of the wires extending from the fillet are angled at approximately 80.degree. from vertical. The wires are covered with an abrasive coating which is applied by an arc spray system. The coating extends around the perimeter of the wire from at least just below the bend of the wires and extending to the outer tip of the wires. The fabric is driven over a nip roll that is adjusted to bring the fabric in closer contact with the wires on the cylinder which is rotating. An alternative embodiment of accomplishing the same type of soft finish such as suede or washed or faded denim finish is accomplished with multi rolls (or kiss rolls) finish machinery using the coated wire fillet on each roll.

Abstract: A theft checking system that improves detection precision of theft checking systems. A micrometer samples data of received signals for three periods of a swept signal. A signal analyzer confirms signals that are regarded as resonance signals occurring in each of the first half and the second half of the first period, ignoring noise signals, and determines only whether similar signals corresponding to the resonance signals are present in each of the following two periods. A detection circuit recognizes the presence of the resonance signals and thereby recognizes and notifies passage of a tagged article.