Abstract: Floor vents for alternately supplying air to a conditioned space. Such vents, used in combination with a heating or cooling system, facilitate the delivery of air in a desired direction. The plastic vent may be constructed of pigmented material in a desired color. Louvers with integrally formed gears are pivotally mounted between ends of the vent, and are repositioned by a thumbwheel located below the upper surface of the grille portion of the vent, to thereby avoid damage to the gear by foot traffic above the vent. The louvers are provided with integrally formed bushings and rotatable end elements to enhance rotation and reliability.

Abstract: A needle cap and shield. An needle cap is provided with a continuous expandable shield. The shield is collapsible and thus it is capable of being easily packed and shipped. When released by the user, the shield expands into a fully protective needle shield which provides protection to the user from needle sticks. The shield does not have any voids or open areas, and is thus fully protective to the user. Also, in one embodiment, a flat edge segment is furnished; this flat edge enables the cap and shield, or a recapped syringe with cap and shield, to be securely positioned on a flat surface without danger of rolling away.

Abstract: Oil venting and monitoring apparatus for marine outdrives. The apparatus includes an oil monitoring reservoir suitable for locating inside the boat. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the fully oil flooded head of the marine outdrive. The reservoir can be observed for an indication of oil level and oil condition. A clear plastic oil reservoir may be used to enhance visual observation. Unlike conventional outdrives, the oil reservoir is convenient for the addition of oil as necessary during and after operation. The apparatus is preferably designed with at least a one inch (1") diameter oil fill hole and typically is of one (1) quart or more oil capacity, so that an entire quart of oil can be quickly added to the system at one time. Also, audible and visual warning systems are included to warn the operator of a low oil condition, or of excess metal in the oil.

Abstract: Apparatus for manual inspection of gears. The apparatus is particularly useful for determination of helical angle deviation and taper in helical gears. The ear to be inspected is placed in a suitable holder, or on a smooth support surface. A selected master gear segment, manufactured to precise tolerances such that it would perfectly fit an inspected gear that has no error, is brought into meshing engagement with the inspected gear. The selected master gear segment is supported in a working position by a support structure in a manner that the selected master gear segment may be displaced about an axis with respect to a reference datum plane. Support is provided by a pivot pin protruding from the support structure, or alternately by a pivot pin protruding from the gear segment into the support structure.

Abstract: Flush valves for alternately supplying freshwater or seawater coolant to marine engines. Such valves, used in combination with a marine engine cooling system, facilitate flushing of contaminants. In one embodiment, the valve includes a first portion having inlet conduits, a second portion having outlet conduits, and means for rotatably securing the first and second portions together with minimal gap therebetween. Inlet and outlet portions are alternately positioned in a first, single fluid flow relationship (seawater supply) wherein only a first fluid is directed through outlet conduits, or in a second, multiple fluid flow relationship (flushing operation) wherein both a first and a second fluid are sent to outlet conduits. Also, sealing means is provided between the first and second portions to prevent liquid from escaping through the gap therebetween.

Abstract: A marine propeller assembly which folds completely parallel to a drive shaft axis when the boat motor is disengaged is disclosed. When the boat motor is disengaged the propeller blades fold rearward due to the force caused by the moving water under the boat. When the boat motor is engaged and the drive shaft beings to rotate, the centrifugal force causes the propeller blades to extend out 90 degrees to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercise of the temporomandibular joint. The apparatus consists of a maxillary mold attachment means pivotally attached to pins which are inserted to a stationary portion of an actuation device, and a mandibular mold attachment means pivotally attached to pins which are inserted to the traveling portion of an actuation device. The actuation device provides vertical motion to exercise the joint. The attachment means includes extension means including a hollow cylinder and a piston to accommodate the required horizontal displacement of the jaw during opening and closing, the pivot means to accommodate the curvelinear motion of the jaw when opening and closing. A method of therapy using the disclosed device provides improved bite gap for patients undergoing TMJ surgery.