Abstract: An apparatus for the recovery of fibrous material from process water used in the manufacture of pulp and/or paper, including recycle fiber facilities. The apparatus involves hydraulic classification in the first stage to separate contaminants having a greater settling velocity than fiber, from fiber and other light contaminants with the same or slower settling velocity of fiber. The second stage of the apparatus involves classification by screening to separate the fine contaminants from the fiber. The degree of classification in each stage is determined by the end use of the fiber recovered.

Abstract: A table top football game apparatus includes a table like base having a generally horizontal playing surface. A plurality of elongated parallel slots are provided on the playing surface and a plurality of football player figurines are moveably mounted upon the plurality of slots for sliding travel thereupon, between end portions of the playing surface which are respective goal lines. The players are moved in the slots and independently of one another by a plurality of controls mounted at the end portions of the table which correspond to the opposing goal lines. At least some of the figurines face in opposite directions thus defining offensive and defensive players. The spaced offensive and defensive controls move the respective players up and down the slots and contacts are provided for forming a connection between two players facing in opposite direction to signify a tackle for example.

Abstract: Apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures and the correction of congenital deformities uses an improved adjustment device that allows selective rotation or lateral translation of one external fixation ring with respect to other external fixation rings. The adjustment device attaches to a pair of first and second tie rod sections and shifts the first tie rod section with respect to the second tie rod section during adjustment. The adjustment device has a lateral slot that defines the path of movement for one of the translating tie rod sections. A travelling block connected to the moving tie rod section tracks the slot during use.

Abstract: A cochlear prosthesis composed of a transmitter part which is to be carried exterior to the user's body and a receiver part which is to be implanted in the user, the transmitter and receiver parts being coupled by a radio link provided by implanted receiver coils and external transmitter coils free of any percutaneous connections. In the transmitter part, sound signals are obtained in plurality of channels, and these channels are frequency multiplexed into a composite signal with the aid of a plurality of surface acoustic wave filters, each having a respective passband. In the implanted receiver, the received composite signal is frequency demultiplexed by means of a similar plurality of surface acoustic wave filters each having a respective passband. A further signal is transmitted from the transmitter part to the receiver part via the radio link in order to supply operating power for the circuits in the receiver part, where the further signal is rectified to produce d.c. operating voltages.

Abstract: A support is provided for fitting over one or more insulating disks in electrical power distribution equipment. The support has a collar which fits about the disk or disks and includes structure which fits onto one of the insulator disks for support. Foot support struts extend outwardly from the collar for support of a climbing crew member's feet.

Abstract: A treatment to alleviate the debilitating symptoms of motility disorders including the functional bowel diseases. Treatment of patients with analogs of GnRH significantly reduces or elmininates the symptoms of motility disorders, including bowel disease.

Abstract: A multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a conduit securing and supporting assembly, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The apparatus further includes a means for positioning the housing with respect to a heat exchanger tube bundle to be cleaned.

Abstract: Ladle covers are insulated with refractory ceramic fiber modules. An outer portion of a lower part of the cover conforming to the shape of the ladle rim is insulated with trapezoidal modules. A central portion beneath the cover within the outer portion is insulated with rectangular modules, which may be of less thickness than the trapezoidal modules.

Abstract: A convertible burner apparatus includes a primary burner frame having upper and lower parallel rings connected by struts. A burner element is contained within the primary frame that can be connected to a source of fuel gas such as a canister of propane/butane. A plurality of radially spaced grate members are positioned adjacent the upper ring for supporting a pot thereupon during use. A plurality of legs are removably connectable to the primary burner frame for supporting the primary burner frame in an elevated position. Connections are provided for removably affixing each leg to the primary burner frame at positions adjacent the upper ring and at the middle portion of the leg and a plurality of spokes discourages lateral movement of the legs at a position below the lower ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an automated optical robotic polishing system for removing flaws in transparencies, such as transparent canopies used in aircraft. A pneumatic random orbital polishing tool attached to a robot arm is used to polish canopies to remove flaws. The flaws are removed by grinding the area surrounding the flaw and smoothing the flaw site to conform to the contour of the canopy. To identify optimum motions for the polishing tool for grinding to remove the bulk of the plastic material around a flaw, mathematical topology simulation techniques are implemented using various polishing pad pressure profiles and various polishing motions.

Abstract: A cervical speculum of the type having a first upper blade and a second lower blade, the blades movable in relation to one another via a rare hinge portion, and having the ability to be adjustable and used in conjunction with the gynecological procedure of, for example, surgery on the cervix. The improvement would include a pair of evacuator tubes which would be adaptable to the interior surfaces of the upper and lower blades respectively, each of the tubes having an adhesive material on that portion of the tube that would make adhesive contact with the surfaces of the upper and lower blades, with the tubes extending with their open ends at the ends of each of the blade portions, and extending rearwardly to the ends of the blades that are hingedly attached.

Abstract: A portable level sensing device includes an audible alarm and a visual alarm (preferably LEDs) for signalling when a predetermined level has been sensed by a capacitance proximity switch. The device is designed for use in tank cars, ships, barges, and tank trucks, and includes a graduated rod and a threaded coupling to allow one to quickly and easily set the capacitance proximity switch at the proper level in a tank. The device includes an weather-tight housing and is intrinsically safe for use in hazardous area classifications Class I, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, & D. The device can be coupled in a pressuretight manner to the tank to prevent the escape of fumes during use.

Abstract: Orthopedic device of biocompatible polymer with oriented fiber reinforcement. There is provided a device such as a hip stem which has a longitudinally curved body. The reinforcing fibers are continuous filament fiber plies with parallel oriented fibers in each ply. The plies are curved longitudinally to approximately correspond to the curve of the body. In one embodiment, there are longitudinally oriented fiber plies at or near the surfaces of the device and plies with fibers offset at 5.degree.-40.degree. from the longitudinal axis between the surface layers. The fiber orientation is balanced by providing a ply of negatively angled offset fibers of a similar angle for each positively angled offset ply. The device is made by molding plies preimpregnated with polymer (prepregs) simultaneously, by molding a plurality of prepregs into segments which are then molded together, or by molding a segment and incrementally molding additional layers of prepregs thereto in a series of progressively larger molds.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for managing a public utility wastewater collection system that involves the steps of establishing a computer accessible database, selecting an area for analysis, selectively reviewing and/or modifying the database and determining the wastewater flow and surface hydraulic grade for areas of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of bone fractures, limb lengthening, and the correction of deformities uses an improved composite plastic carbon fiber ring that is formed in a mold, or machined with a stepped end portion that allows half rings to be assembled in a common plane. The method can use a mold wherein multiple rings can be formed by stacking the rings with a Teflon layer therebetween and wherein circumferential braid reinforcement of carbon fiber adds strength at the circumferential inner and outer curved surfaces of the rings and half rings.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for pressure equalization between a closed space and the surrounding atmosphere comprises a valve housing (1) with an upwardly facing blow-off opening (11) in which a conical valve seat (13) is formed. A drop-shaped body (14) arranged in the blow-off opening (11) is formed on its underside with a conical valve surface (15) co-operating with the valve seat (13). The drop-shaped body is connected with a lifting disc (21) which has a larger area than the valve seat (13) and is surrounded by a free passage slot (22). By suitable dimensioning, advantageous characteristics can be obtained for pressure and blow-off velocity as functions of the blow-off quantity, and the blow-off will always take place in the form of a jet which by means of the drop-shaped body (14) is directed vertically upwards at high velocity.