Abstract: A method of producing radio frequency discharge plasma film layers having a three-dimensional functional film network. The plasma film layers include a first layer, comprising a plurality of a first functional group, and a second layer, comprising a plurality of a second functional group. The employment of three-dimensional film networks with desired functional groups located either on the periphery or both the periphery and interstitial spaces of the networks provides means for significantly increasing the surface functional density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leak testing a closed container having a substantially flexible wall structure wherein a compressive force is applied to the wall structure such that the wall structure is displaced from a first position to a second position. The compressive force is maintained for a pre-determined first period of time to stabilize the container wall structure. After the stabilization period, the compressive force is released wherein the wall structure commences recovery from the second position toward the first position. The wall structure recovery from the second position is measured at a pre-determined second period of time.

Abstract: A cable preload system and device for providing an axial force to the control cable and sealing the control cable against contamination. The pre-load apparatus includes a braze-on, a cable connector, a resilient tubular member and a frame connector. The cable connector attaches one end of the tubular member to the control cable to form a static seal about the control cable. The frame connector attaches the other end of the tubular member to the frame. The tubular member is adapted to stretch between a first configuration and a second configuration to pre-load the control cable.

Abstract: A three-dimensional functional film network comprising a plurality of radio frequency discharge plasma film layers. The plasma film layers include a first layer, comprising a plurality of a first functional group, and a second layer, comprising a plurality of a second functional group. The employment of three-dimensional film networks with desired functional groups located either on the periphery or both the periphery and interstitial spaces of the networks provides means for significantly increasing the surface functional density.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a display monitor to a computer that controls the monitor generates any selected one of a number of codes that can be sensed by the computer and which identify the image resolution at which the particular monitor operates or a resolution that has been selected by the operator in the case of multi-sync monitors. A rotary hexadecimal switch, which may be operated by turning a dial, simplifies code selection and a multi-channel dip switch enables expansion of the number of available codes. The dip switch also enables selective changing of sync signal connections within the adapter to accommodate to different monitors that have different sync signal input requirements. The adapter may be a separable unit which can be interconnected between the computer and monitor or may be a permanent built in component of the monitor image data input cable.

Abstract: A hand-operated shift actuator (16) displaces a derailleur control cable (22). The actuator (16) includes a stationary member (60) that is affixed relative to a bicycle handlebar (44). Rotation of the rotating member (62) causes the control cable (22) to be displaced, thus actuating the derailleur (24) to which the control cable (22) is attached. A plurality of detent positions (104-115) each correspond to a derailleur overshift position. The rotating member (62) is rotatable in a first direction to any of these detent positions (104-114). A spring-loaded overshift corrector (90, 142) urges the rotating member (62) from an overshift position in a second direction to a respective new desired sprocket center position when the rotating member (62) is released by the hand of the rider.

Abstract: An improved two piece control cable adjustment device for offsetting a change of relative length between the outer sheath and control wire of a control cable operatively linking a control mechanism such as a bicycle shifter or brake lever to an operating mechanism such as a derailleur or brake. The adjustment device includes an adjuster nut having a threaded bore cooperating with a mounting member threaded shaft and an indexing mechanism achieved by the relative elastic deformation of rotatably engaging protrusions and/or detents circumferentially formed on the cooperating adjuster nut and mounting member thereby enabling riders to sense each increment of stepped adjustment.

Abstract: A linear derailleur for positioning a drive chain in response to displacement of a plurality of control cables. The derailleur includes a linear actuator having a substantially uniform actuation ratio over the range of motion of the actuator and, hence, derailleur. The linear actuator also has a mean actuation ratio over its range of motion equal to Cos .theta.:1, where .theta. equals the angle of inclination of the actuator.

Abstract: An adaptor for coupling a display monitor to a computer that controls the monitor generates any selected one of a number of codes that can be sensed by the computer and which identify the image resolution at which the particular monitor operates or a resolution that has been selected by the operator in the case of multi-sync monitors. A rotary hexadecimal switch, which may be operated by turning a dial, simplifies code selection and a multi-channel dip switch enables expansion of the number of available codes. The dip switch also enables selective changing of sync signal connections within the adaptor to accommodate to different monitors that have different sync signal input requirements. The adaptor may be a separable unit which can be interconnected between the computer and monitor or may be a permanent built in component of the monitor image data input cable.

Abstract: A cable pre-load system and device attachable between a moveable control cable and a rigid frame for regulating tension in the control cable and sealing the control cable against contamination. The tensioning device includes a cable connector, a resilient tubular member with two ends and a frame connector. The cable connector attaches one end of the tubular member to the control cable to form a static seal about the control cable. The frame connector attaches the other end of the tubular member to the frame. The tubular member stretches between a first configuration and a second configuration in response to movement of the control cable to regulate tension in the control cable.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur gear shifting system having a rotatable handgrip actuator coupled with a derailleur shifting mechanism through a control cable system so as to control the derailleur. The derailleur (50) includes an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

Abstract: A linear derailleur for positioning a drive chain in response to displacement of a control cable. The derailleur includes a linear actuator having a substantially uniform actuation ratio over the range of motion of the actuator and, hence, derailleur. The linear actuator also has a mean actuation ratio over its range of motion equal to Cos .theta.:1, where .theta. equals the angle of inclination of the actuator.

Abstract: A rear derailleur (50) is provided with an arcuate cable entraining surface (78) which substantially reduces the variation and magnitude of the actuation ratio between control cable linear displacement and movement of the derailleur p-knuckle (88). A b-knuckle flange (160) militates against the derailment of the drive chain from the upper guide wheel while permitting maximum lateral flexing of the drive chain (48) during shifting between sprockets (46) on the freewheel. A rigid arcuate surface (174) may be provided as an extension of the b-knuckle (170) in replacement of a segment of a Bowden cable housing (38) to obviate the accumulation of water and foreign matter.

Abstract: A children's Christmas Stocking device useful for visually signalling the arrival of Santa Claus by illuminating an externally visable light source having a power source located within said device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a therapeutic support garment comprising an elongated support member having two ends, an adjustable securing member for removably securing the support member ends, at least one breast pouch disposed on the support member, a positioning member for removably positioning the breast pouch, and a temperature regulator positioned in the breast pouch for imparting a predetermined temperature to the wearer's breast regions to relieve the discomforts of swelling and tenderness thereof.