Abstract: An infinite variable transmission with input shaft (52), planetary carrier (28), planetary pulleys (36) and planetary gears (32) with planetary axles (30) equiangularly disposed on the carrier (28). Variable pitch pulley (41) adjust a serpentine belt (38) which adjust the rotation of the planetary gears (32) to adjust the output shaft (20).

Abstract: A disposable drape for use in covering dual-tier surgical carts used in hospital operating rooms. The drape is adapted to be placed upon both shelves of a surgical or medical cart having two shelves—an auxiliary shelf situated above a larger main shelf or table. The drape is intended to be sterile, and is provided with absorbent surfaces at locations corresponding to the tup surfaces of the cart's shelves when the drape is properly installed upon the cart. The drape is seamless. Pull tabes are provided to aid in the installation of the drape upon a cart without compromising drape sterility.

Abstract: A unilateral magnet apparatus having a remote uniform field region. The apparatus' uniform remote field region is suitable for a variety of nuclear magnetic resonance applications.

Abstract: A dual belt system having a load-bearing or “utility” belt as well as a climbing harness waist band. An inner belt is a waistband for a climbing harness, the other outer belt being any typical load bearing belt, such as a military gear belt. The inner harness waistband and the load bearing belt are connected together by a series of releasable loops upon the waistband that may be opened to allow the load bearing belt to be separated from the harness. The loops may be closed and secured, as by fasteners, around a load bearing belt to temporarily connect together the harness waistband and the load bearing belt, so that they functional as an integral unit. Also provided are leg loops, permanently attached to the waistband of the harness, with which a true pelvis-girdling climbing harness may be assembled. The leg loops are stowed in a special pouch on the waistband until such time as they are deployed for use.

Abstract: An apparatus for plyometrically exercising the muscles of the user's back. The apparatus includes a exercise panel connected parallel to a back panel, the exercise panel being movable in relation to the back panel. Springs are disposed between the exercise panel and the back panel, so that movement of the exercise panel in relation to the back panel requires compression or extension of the springs. A seat panel is provided, which is connected to the back panel and when in use is disposed about perpendicular to the back panel. Body straps are provided for comfortably securing the user's torso to the exercise panel. The user plyometrically exercises his back muscles by rapidly alternately pressing his back against the exercise panel to compress the springs, and then pushing forward against the body straps to pull the springs into tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to manipulating pliers especially but not exclusively for surgical purposes, comprising a frame, at a first side of the frame a control handle and at a second side opposite the first side of the frame a gripper as well as a coupling between the control handle and the gripper. The control handle and the gripper are each coupled to the frame by means of a roller bearing.

Abstract: A motor, expander, compressor, or hydraulic device is formed with an oscillating rotating piston comprising a cylinder having an axis of rotation and end surfaces and defining an oscillating compression volume and an expansion volume. An axial sealing member separates the compression volume and the expansion volume, and seal members seal the end surfaces of the piston. Valves operate to close the compression volume and open the expansion volume at each oscillation of the piston. Means are provided for reversing the rotation of the cylinder at the end of a compression cycle of the piston. One or more pistons may be provided that contact other pistons along axial surfaces to form axial seal surfaces with rolling contacts that reduce friction energy losses.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading spokes in to the hub of a spoked wheel. The spokes are inserted one at a time through the holes of the flanges of the hub. The direction of the hub axle is horizontal and the spoke inserters are moved toward the flanges. The holes in the flanges are detected by means of a sensor.

Abstract: A fluid conveyor jet moves flexible containers or bags along a trough from one station to the next in the trough in a process which efficiently heats or cools the contents of the containers. Side fluid jets positioned along opposite sides of the trough direct heating or cooling fluid (water) on the flexible containers at the stations. They direct the fluid generally in spaced horizontal planes on the flexible containers therebetween causing (1) the central contents of the containers to move away from central areas of the container towards the sides to promote temperature transfer between the contents and cooling or heating fluid from the fluid jet conveyor and the fluid jets and (2) the containers to rotate generally about axes parallel to a longitudinal axis of the trough also helping in the cooling or heating process. The side fluid jets are operatively positioned below the waterline of the trough.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing soffit segments below the eaves of a building. A main body with a standoff is temporarily fastened to the sub-fascia. A swing arm and a locking arm are pivotally connected to each other and also to the main body, except that a J-shaped slot in the locking arm permits the locking arm to translate, as well as pivot, with respect to the main body. A segment of soffit material is placed upon the swing arm, and the swing arm is rotated about the pivot joint on the main body creating a lever action to lift the soffit material into a horizontal position immediately below the eave. The locking arm slot is notched to lock the locking arm and swing arm, into a fixed position. The apparatus thereby steadily maintains the soffit segment in position pending its permanent attachment to the underside of the eave. The apparatus is temporarily attached to the structure via a clamp arm or via screw into the sub-fascia.

Abstract: A locking device for use in connection with an energy controlling apparatus, such as a valve, or regulator, to prevent unauthorized persons from changing the position of a rotatable shaft of the apparatus that controls the amount of energy that flows through the apparatus. The locking device includes a handle used to manually set the position of the shaft. It also includes a gear that is rotatably mounted in the handle and is fixed to the shaft of the apparatus. A first locking mechanism carried by the handle mechanically and selectively couples the handle and the gear through a key access to the lock. A spring-biased ratchet mechanism may be provided to permit rotation of the shaft in one direction only. A personal locking mechanism with only a single key is selectively lockable to the handle so that in the locked position it prevents access to the first locking mechanism. An alternative locking mechanism selectively couples the handle and the gear through a keyless access to the lock.

Abstract: A jewelry apparatus. The jewelry apparatus may be adapted to serve as practically any type of jewelry, but is best suited for use as a pendant or a broach. A shaft portion may be removably attached to a base piece by means of a slotted locking member. The shaft piece is used to carry ornamental elements, such as decorative beads or precious or semi-precious stones. The ornamental elements may be permanently affixed to the shaft, or most desirably may be slipped onto the shaft so as to be interchangeable. Accordingly, the invention permits a user to change the ornamental elements by removing the shaft from the base piece and selectively interchanging the ornamental elements and then replacing the shaft upon the base piece. Alternatively, the entire shaft with ornamental elements thereon may be selectively replaced.

Abstract: An apparatus for absorbing, containing, immobilizing, transporting and disposing of quantities of used cooking oil and/or other oils and hydrocarbons, comprising decomposed organic matter and/or inorganic matter.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor using an intermediate layer between the preformed optical core and the optical cladding material. This intermediate layer comprises a material that is doped with a sensor material to respond to an analyte of interest by luminescing or by developing optical absorption in the transmission region of the core fiber and that has a refractive index greater than the preformed core. Two configurations provide sensors for ionizing radiation capable of measuring the dose rate and the integrated deposited dose.

Abstract: A method for laser diode bar assembly. A method for assembling a modular stacked diode array is disclosed, whereby a diode bar is bonded between a pair of conductive spacers, as by soldering, to create a diode submodule. Each submodule, prior to being affixed to a substrate, may be individually pre-tested. Any number of diode bar submodules then may be affixed to a substrate to construct a diode bar array. A stacked array embodiment assembled according to the method provides for efficient cooling of the diode bars and electrical connection between diode bars while maximizing alignment of the diode bars. The spacers are connected to a conductive surface on a heat spreader. In the stacked array, one or more diode bars are alternated in series with two or more conductive spacers, with a series circuit provided from diode bar to diode bar. The spacers hold the diodes spaced apart from insulating grooves in the conductive layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A locking device for use in connection with an energy controlling apparatus, such as a valve, or regulator, to prevent unauthorized persons from changing the position of a rotatable shaft of the apparatus that controls the amount of energy that flows through the apparatus. The locking device includes a handle used to manually set the position of the shaft. It also includes a gear that is rotatably mounted in the handle and is fixed to the shaft of the apparatus.

Abstract: An interchangeable and rotatable jewelry display for beads or ornaments, and a method of displaying and rotating interchangeable ornaments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving wind turbine performance by alleviating loads and controlling the rotor. The invention employs the use of a passively adaptive blade that senses the wind velocity or rotational speed, and accordingly modifies its aerodynamic configuration. The invention exploits the load mitigation prospects of a blade that twists toward feather as it bends. The invention includes passively adaptive wind turbine rotors or blades with currently preferred power control features. The apparatus is a composite fiber horizontal axis wind-turbine blade, in which a substantial majority of fibers in the blade skin are inclined at angles of between 15 and 30 degrees to the axis of the blade, to produces passive adaptive aeroelastic tailoring (bend-twist coupling) to alleviate loading without unduly jeopardizing performance.