Abstract: A pre-atomized spray scrubber and related method is disclosed. The scrubber has special utility in the removal of particulate and gaseous contaminants from a gas stream and comprises a housing defining a flow path therethrough. The housing is divided into first and second sections by a deck which is configured such that as the gas stream flows through the first section, it flows across the deck and then into the second section. A series of liquid spray nozzle banks are disposed in the housing, either in the first or second section and are arranged and configured so as to aid in directing the gas stream from the first section into the second section. An entrainment separator is also preferably disposed in the housing to further aid in the removal of the contaminants from the gas stream.

Abstract: An improved method for the manufacture of simulated marble and onyx products is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of applying a substantially clear coating to a mold, applying a first layer of a mixture of polyester resin and filler over the coating, forming readily visible striations in the first layer of resin and filler, applying a layer of glass fibers thereover, applying a second layer of polyester resin and filler over the layer of glass fibers and permitting the various layers to completely cure so as to form the final product.

Abstract: An electronic device for use in conjunction with a spirometer for measuring the time interval during which a minimum predetermined air flow is maintained through the spirometer and for calculating the minimum total volume of air flowing through the spirometer during that interval of time and for automatically providing other related information to the patient and therapist using the spirometer.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in a volume ventilator circuit is disclosed. The valve assembly comprises a valve body defining a chamber with a gas inlet conduit and a gas outlet conduit, both in flow communication with the chamber. A diaphragm extends across the chamber and selectively closes off the gas inlet conduit. Upwardly extending strut members are disposed on an inside surface of the valve body and are used to position a removable ring member adjacent the diaphragm. The ring member is configured so as to support a portion of the diaphragm over the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reverse osmosis membrane module for separating a selected fluid component from a feed stock. The module comprises a mandrel having an axial passageway forming a flow path for the selected fluid component through the mandrel. A flow guide means is attached to the mandrel and forms a channel for the selected fluid component as it flows through the membrane module. A plurality of generally rectangular membrane envelopes are joined to the flow guide mandrel and are formed from a plurality of elongated permeate collector sheets each forming a flow path for the selected fluid component from the outer periphery of the envelope to the flow guide. A plurality of folded sheets of support material with each sheet having predetermined membrane areas where reverse osmosis occurs are joined to the collector sheets so as to form the membrane envelope. Each sheet of support material is formed such that there are no fold lines on the membrane areas where reverse osmosis occurs.

Abstract: A nebulizer device for use in a breathing circuit is disclosed. The device consists of a nebulization chamber in flow communication with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet is configured to be coupled to a source of gas which is directed into the nebulization chamber. The gas outlet is configured to direct gas from the chamber to a patient connection. A uniquely configured siphon jet assembly for producing fine particles of liquid extends into the nebulization chamber and is movable into a plurality of positions. This permits the regulation of both the amount of liquid entrained by the gas as well as the size of the liquid particles formed.

Abstract: An oscillating pedal bicycle in which the downward force exerted by a rider is converted from the oscillating motion of the pedals into a unidirectional rotation of the drive wheel. The oscillating motion of the pedals is transmitted by flexible tension members to a conversion mechanism for converting the linear motion of such tension members into the rotary motion of the drive wheel. Maximum utilization of the motive power of the rider is achieved through the use of a quick-release, variable position body restraint and a variable height seat, both of which are adjustable while the bicycle is in motion, while maximum transfer and conversion of such motive power is achieved by an improved pedal return and tension member rewind mechanism and an improved drive mechanism. Pedal stabilizers, rotatable foot restraints and foot actuated lever control mechanisms are provided to maximize motive power and efficiency.

Abstract: A simplified compact preloaded camera including a mechanism for automatically advancing the film and resetting the shutter. The camera includes a one-piece molded body having walls which define viewfinder, film supply, film exposure and takeup areas. Film is wound on a pretensioned spring-driven spool which is released after each picture is taken in order to advance the film to the next frame. A simple shutter mechanism is included, and both the resetting of the shutter mechanism and film advancement are controlled by a single spring. The camera is designed to be used while in a box. When a roll of film is completed, the box is sealed shut and mailed to the processor.

Abstract: A flame jet lance having a rotatable drill bit for forming cross holes in the ground is disclosed. The lance has various fuel and oxidizer tanks disposed therein and a fuel feed system coupled to the tanks for pumping the fuel to the rotatable drill bit. An extension member is also disposed in the lance with one end thereof coupled to the feed system and with the rotatable drill bit coupled at the other end thereof. The extension member is movable in the lance such that as the drill bit burns its way through the earth, the extension member moves the bit outward to a position lateral from the lance. In this manner, oil, gas, and the like may travel through the cross hole thus formed into the initial well hole.In operating the flame jet lance of the present invention, the lance is lowered into the preexisting well hole a specific distance. The flame jet drill bit is ignited and extremely hot flames are forced out through a nozzle contained in the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of injecting a molten material such as molten metal or plasticizing resin under pressure and an apparatus performing the same wherein the piston speed of a cylinder for injecting the molten material is made to decrease before the mold cavity is filled up to the full with the molten material, thereby peak pressure generated in the molten material filled up to the full being eliminated and further pressure vibration occurred in a pressurized oil being obviated.

Abstract: An improved door and drawer lock or latch having special utility in recreational vehicles, boats, emergency vehicles and the like is disclosed. The door lock comprises a latch housing having at least one toothed rack gear assembly, a pinion gear member and an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is rotatably disposed in the pinion gear and extends outwardly therefrom. A retractable bolt member is also disposed in the latch housing and has an extended and a retracted position. In the extended position, the bolt engages a strike plate mounted on the frame or stile of the cabinet. The bolt member is coupled to the rack such that movement of the rack in a predetermined direction causes the bolt to move into the retracted position. A door knob is also coupled to the latch housing by an elongated hollow stem which extends circumferentially about the shaft member.

Abstract: A contact switch for momentary connection between conductors is disclosed. The switch has particular utility in a keyboard assembly, such as pocket calculators. In the first embodiment, the switch comprises a button member, and a sinusoidal-shaped spring. The spring is of a configuration such that reaction of the spring is stronger in its normal position than in its depressed state. This provides the user with a tactile feeling when the button is depressed. In the second embodiment, the button member is retained in an extended position by an associated buckle spring. This spring also provides the user with a tactile feeling.

Abstract: A drilling device is disclosed which comprises a tubular drilling lance adapted to being lowered to great depths in the earth's surface and being raised therefrom. Disposed within the drilling lance is an energy generating system which comprises a fluid vaporizing system and a turbine coupled to the vaporizing system by a closed fluid circuit. Coupled to the turbine and extending outwardly from the drilling lance is a drill bit. The drilling device is configured such that vaporized fluid activates the turbine, which in turn, makes the drill bit operable.

Abstract: A device for preparing granular sulphur particles from a stream of molten sulphur is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated conduit for moving the molten sulphur which has a uniquely designed spray head coupled at one end thereof. The spray head has a nozzle opening to discharge the sulphur. A helical member is disposed inside of the spray head adjacent the nozzle opening such that when the sulphur exits out of the spray head, it forms a deluge-type spray. A water jacket is circumferentially disposed about the sulphur conduit adjacent the spray head so as to form an annular orifice thereabout. The annular orifice is located behind the nozzle opening such that as the molten sulphur exits out of the spray head, it comes in direct contact with an annular water spray. Impingement of the water on the molten sulphur causes the sulphur to form into irregular granular pellets which are very porous.