Abstract: Near real time imaging of materials within a body is accomplished by subjecting a body area to a predetermined plurality of applications of short repetition time NMR pulse sequences and constructing an image from data corresponding thereto. The image is continuously updated by collecting data from repetitive applications of one or more short repetition time NMR pulse sequences subsequent to the plurality of applications wherein each of the applications of one or more pulse sequences consists of fewer applications than the plurality of applications of pulse sequences. The imaging data from each of the applications of one or more pulse sequences is repetitively substituted for corresponding imaging data previously used to construct the image in order to provide for continuous partial updating of the image.

Abstract: A Christmas tree irrigation system for supplying water to a tree stand at the base of the Christmas tree. The system includes a tree stand and a spaced-apart reservoir having an electric pump therein which is connected to a conduit leading to a tree stand. The pump is adapted to be actuated by a power source when the water level in the tree stand diminishes to a predetermined level so as to close an electric switch operatively associated with the tree stand.

Abstract: A method for comminuting kidney stones including treating a stone to be comminuted with a surface energy-lowering solution and applying acoustic impulses to the stone so as to pulverize the stone into fragments small enough to be passed through the ureter and urethra.

Abstract: X-rays can be physically reflected from surfaces under certain conditions and quantitative measurements of the reflected X-ray intensity around the critical angle for X-ray reflection may be utilized to provide a method for the chemical analysis of very thin surface layers or thin films including adsorbed organic films. This method of chemical analysis is based on different physical principles than the well-known X-ray diffraction or fluorescence methods. The X-ray reflection method for the chemical analysis of thin surface layers depends on the influence of the X-ray absorptivity of the surface layers upon the concommitant angular or wavelength dependence of the intensity of the reflected X-ray. Because the reflected wave does not significantly penetrate the sample, the sample depth for chemical analysis by the reflected X-ray beam can be very thin, for example about 100 angstroms in thickness.

Abstract: A patterning device for a circular knitting machine which is particularly adapted for quick style changes. The device comprises a rotor element with a plurality of lobes around the periphery thereof, a drive motor for rotating the rotor element in synchronous rotational movement with the needle cylinder, and a control for actuating the drive motor according to a predetermined program in order to determine which of the lobes will be brought into registry with a respective needle jack to force it out of engagement with the cam and which of the lobes will be caused to miss a respective needle jack and thereby allow the jack to be cammed.

Abstract: A fluid actuated limb comprising an elongate flexible core member having a first plurality of bellows extending parallel to the core member and being radially spaced from the core member around substantially the entire circumference thereof. A second plurality of bellows are radially spaced from the core member and helically wrapped around the length of the core member in a first helical direction, and a third plurality of bellows are radially spaced from the core member and helically wrapped around the length thereof in a second helical direction opposite to the first helical direction. Fluid air pressure selectively applied to the limb results in limb movements including extension and contraction, bending with resistance to torsion, right hand and left hand rotation, and combinations of the aforementioned movements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for forming transfer tails on yarn packages being wound in abutting relationship on a textile winding machine. The system utilizes a transfer tail forming means including a fixed yarn guide element defining a yarn guide surface therein with diverging sides extending generally outwardly and a movable yarn guide element cooperating therewith and adapted to move from a rearward position behind the yarn guide surface to a forward position wherein the front portion thereof extends beyond the yarn guide surface.

Abstract: A combustible briquet is provided having a clay carrier for the flavor producing carbonaceous and/or fibrous materials which prevents the briquet from flaking or otherwise disintegrating during the combustion process so as to allow for gas and electric grill convenience with charcoal briquet flavor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the refractive index profile of an optical fiber wherein light from an intense optical source is focused at the bare fiber end portion of the test fiber. A small amount of light will be coupled into the optical fiber where for the short length of uncoated fiber only cladding modes are excited. The index of refraction is determined directly by analyzing the intensity distribution emitted from the optical fiber with a lens system having a limited numerical aperture.

Abstract: A barbecue grill including a housing having a bottom surface, a heat source adjacent the bottom surface, a heat deflector positioned above the heat source for uniform heat distribution, a grease collection and drainage system, a food supporting grate and a removable hood. Heat is evenly distributed throughout the housing by the heat deflector, and grease from food on the food supporting grate is efficiently collected and disposed of by the grease collection and drainage system. The grease collection and drainage system is adapted to easily convert the barbecue grill to use as both a smoker and a steamer.

Abstract: The invention is a digital record/playback apparatus including an input digital filter, and A/D converter, a solid state memory, a D/A converter and an output digital filter. The entire system is driven off a single clock source which allows the frequent response of the filters to be modified simultaneous with the sampling frequency of the A/D and D/A converter. This allows the record/playback apparatus to record low frequency signals, such as medical data, as well as relatively high frequency signals such as voice, by simply changing the frequency of the clock source. In addition, the apparatus includes an expandable memory which allows recording of up to one hour or more of program material.

Abstract: There is provided an optical fiber communication cable as described including at least one rigid tension element provided in combination with conventional single tube loose buffer cable and grooved spacer core cable constructions in order to provide greater tensile strength and an enhanced operating temperature range.

Abstract: A high speed weighing system for weighing articles moving along a conveyor or the like wherein the article to be weighed is dropped onto a weighing platform and weighed during a predetermined time period as it traverses the weighing platform. The weighing platform is secured to a structural transducer having electrical strain gauges in connection with fast-summing amplification and integration circuitry.

Abstract: A back exercise machine having a neck exercise attachment which allows movement about three machine axes corresponding to the cervical axes of flexion/extension, lateral flexion and rotation. Selective resistance to movement about each axes may be provided and torque, position and velocity measurements made with respect to neck movement performance against the resistance.

Abstract: A novel fiber drafting system disclosed according to which a textile fiber strand is passed through a plurality of pairs of drafting rollers wherein one of each pair of drafting rollers includes a circumferential groove for receiving the fiber strand and the other roller includes a circumferential rib for compressing the strand in the recessed groove to a cross-sectional shape substantially conforming to the groove. The plurality of pairs of rib and groove rollers are rotated such that each successive pair along the drafting pathway of the textile fiber strand has a greater circumferential speed than the preceeding pair of drafting rollers. In this fashion a textile fiber strand is compressed into a cross-section configuration which substantially equalizes the pressure on all fibers being drafted and thereby provides a more uniformly drafted strand.

Abstract: An optical transmission cable with messenger being of an all-dielectric construction particularly suitable for use in aerial optical communication applications and comprising a figure-eight optical transmission cable with a messenger having a fiber reinforced plastic rod bonded to a polyethylene jacket with an adhesive layer of ethylene acrylic acid in order to prevent relative movement between the messenger rod and the polyethylene jacket.

Abstract: A gripper for a remotely controlled material handling apparatus. The gripper includes two cooperatively movable gripping jaws engaged by the support arm of the material handling apparatus, and a control cable secured at one end to one of the pair of jaws and at the other end to the remote control apparatus to facilitate opening and closing of the jaws about an object of interest. The jaws are adapted for being secured to the support arm of the handling apparatus in either a horizontal gripping position or in a vertical gripping position.

Abstract: An automated temperature scanning system for monitoring hyperthermia treatment has a linear drive assembly operatively connected to a non-rotational extended-length screw shaft which is linearly translated by a stepper motor. A first tube having a thermometric probe concentrically positioned therein is fixedly secured to the linear drive assembly so as to be motivated thereby. A second tube is secured at one end to an interstitial catheter and is adapted to be at least partially slidably received within the first tube so that linear movement of the first tube toward the second tube slidably moves the thermometric probe within the second tube and an interstitial catheter associated therewith. A computer is electrically connected to the stepper motor to control the movement of the thermometric probe utilizing real time data generated thereby.

Abstract: Interactive sports simulation system for providing an actual physical trial of the sports performance to be enacted. The system includes audiovisual means for simulating an actual competitive sports environment, sensors for measuring the sports performance and physiological performance of an athlete being tested, and computer means responsive to the performance data from the sensors for controlling the simulated sports environment created by the audiovisual means. The system facilitates psychological conditioning of the athlete through psychophysiological manipulation of the environment by the athlete.