Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of subterranean pipe includes sensors 24 and 26 which detect seismic energy. A pulsing valve (20) is disposed on one end of a water line (10) to allow water to intermittently flow and be shut off. This results in a water hammer effect which send shock waves (22) outward from the pipe (10). This is detected by the sensors (24) and (26) and then transmitted to a detector (32) to provide a differential indication. The locations of the sensors (24) and (26) will determine the differential balances therebetween such that when the sensors (24) and (26) are directly over the pipe (10), an indication of the location of the pipe is provided. Further, a reference sensor (19) is provided to allow distance measurement along the pipe by measuring the difference between the received energy at sensor (19) and either of sensors (24) or (26).

Abstract: A feed system for flame spray guns is provided that comprises a hopper with a powder storage chamber, a pressurized gas source separated from the powder storage chamber by a gas distributor board, at least one flow line providing fluid communication for the pressurized air and entrained powder between the storage chamber and a flame spray gun, a powder outlet valve on each flow line for controlling the flow of pressurized gas and entrained powder from the storage chamber into the flow line, and a purge line delivering pressurized gas to the flow line downstream of the powder outlet valve for clearing powder from the flow line after the valve is closed.

Abstract: A method for producing rolled plastic pellets comprising from about 5 to about 10 weight percent cellulosic fiber and less than about 10 weight percent water from mixed plastic waste comprising polymeric film.

Abstract: The present invention describes an air-floated apparatus for use as a lawn mower or vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing having an outer shroud and an inner shroud, the outer shroud surrounding a predetermined portion of the inner shroud to define a pressure chamber between the inner and outer shrouds and a vacuum chamber within the inner shroud. A drive mechanism includes a motor having a rotatable shaft. A single impeller is supported in the pressure chamber and rotates on the shaft for exhausting air from the vacuum chamber to erect grass underlying the opening while simultaneously pressurizing air in the pressure chamber to float the apparatus above the grass. Airborne cut grass clippings are vacuumed into and through the impeller for distribution into the soil for recycle and recut. According to the invention, an adjustment assembly is provided for adjusting a position of the housing relative to a center-line auxiliary wheel assembly.

Abstract: An air pressure activated apparatus includes a substantially endless housing and an underlying plate member. The plate member has a variety of different constructions for providing enhanced air flow and pressure distribution for improved flotation, grass cutting, mulching, or vacuum cleaning while making it more difficult to contact moving parts within the housing.

Abstract: A slim-line portable hose ferrule crimper is formed by a bar with a pair of spaced parallel tracks extending from one side thereof. A movable crimping die holder holding a crimping die half is mounted on the tracks adjacent the bar, and is moved back and forth by a threaded screw passing through the bar and into the movable holder. A stationary holder for a complementary second die half confronting the movable holder is releasably secured at a fixed location on the tracks, but may be released by a pivoting latch to permit its removal from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method of catheterization includes a needle, a "Y" connector, a syringe, a dilator, a sheath, a protective sleeve and a shock sheath. This introduces a comprehensive, uniform and universal approach to catheterization. Discriminatory methods of treatment using the invention are described. Particular attention has been paid to current problems in catheterization and the prevention of transmission of communicable diseases from patient to practitioner and vice-versa (e.g., the risk of contracting the HIV virus is substantially reduced using this system and method). The invention makes possible substantial decreases in the cost of health care while improving the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment. It allows the practitioner to perform simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of diseases using the same procedure, regardless of their location in or on the body. The number and duration of hospitalization is minimized, and the quality of life and length of survival for the patient are improved.

Abstract: A system for construction of a multi-sided solid shaped carton, package, or similar multi-sided structure including a flat blank having multiple polygon shaped faces, each face hingably connected to at least one other face, having free edges of the faces connectable to free edges of other faces to form a multi-sided carton, a first edge forming element for connecting a first pair of free edges with a first degree of holding force, and a second edge forming element for connecting a second pair of free edges with a second degree of holding force which is greater than said first degree of holding force. A unique symbol code is used for drawing attention to the preferred starting point of construction, for designating the appropriate correspondence between tab and slotted flap edge forming elements, and for designating the preferred order of assembly.

Abstract: A well packer isolation system (10) for use in hostile, corrosive environments is disclosed that comprises packer top sub (20), packer mandrel (22), setting sleeve (24), top slip support (26), slip (28), wedge (30), packer elements (32A, 32B, 32C), packer bottom sub (34), and shear pins (36, 38, 40, 42). As packer system (10) is run into an existing polished bore receptacle (12) using running tool (14), bottom sub (34) no-goes against PBR adapter sub (76). When sufficient setting pressure is exerted on setting sleeve (24) by running tool (14), shear pins (36, 38, 40) are sheared, packer elements (32A, 32B, 32C) are longitudinally compressed and radially expanded, and slip (28) engages inside wall (56) of PBR (12). Running tool (14) is withdrawn after packer system (10) is set by upwardly shearing shear pins (42).

Abstract: A system for sorting randomly oriented objects of various sizes based upon the size of the object includes a transport for conveying a series of objects from an input location to one of a plurality of output locations. An image system is disposed along the transport for capturing the image of each object to be sorted. An image processor detects the minimum and maximum linear dimension of each object based upon the captured image. The image processor further determines the shape of each object based upon the captured image. The minimum or maximum linear dimension is selected based upon the shape of the object. The object is categorized by size based upon the selected minimum or maximum dimension. Structure is provided for selectively routing the object based upon the categorized object size to one of the plurality of output locations.

Abstract: An ambulatory parenteral fluid infusion pump employs a disposable in-line cassette which provides three independent fluid paths between two flexible plastic sheets. The fluid path extends through a pump chamber having a piston plate secured to the flexible sheet at each pumping chamber. The sealed flexible sheets are housed in a rigid housing which provides an aperture through which a catch member formed on the piston plate extends, and having living hinges overlying the inlet and outlet paths for shutting off those paths. An outlet valve is normally closed, and operates in response to buildup of fluid pressure from advancement of the piston plate into the pump chamber to deliver fluid.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing and lubricating elastomeric material includes depositing a first material film layer of carbide forming material by high energy level vacuum plating onto the elastomeric material to thereby stabilize free carbon atoms present in the elastomeric material. A second material film layer is deposited by high energy vacuum plating onto the first material film layer to thereby lubricate the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A digitizing stylus for use with a tablet for measuring the angle between a gravity vector and the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the stylus for calculating pitch angle and barrel rotation of the stylus includes a housing having an electrolytic solution. A plurality of electrodes are disposed within the housing and extend into the electrolytic solution. The electrodes generate an output signal based upon the distance the electrodes extend into the electrolytic solution. A sensor is interconnected to the plurality of electrodes for sensing changes in the output signals for computing pitch angle and rotation of the stylus.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing and displaying exterior decorative lighting on a supporting structure such as the roof of a residence or office building. The apparatus comprises a base portion, face portion and a hinge assembly. The face portion has at least one means adapted for receiving a decorative light bulb and socket assembly. The base portion is adapted for insertion between adjoining layers of shingles or other building materials. The face portion is fastened to the base portion by means of the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly permits multiple positioning and adjustments of the display angle of the face portion, such as either perpendicular or parallel to the base portion.

Abstract: A central processing unit (10) has a cache memory system (24) associated therewith for interfacing with a main memory system (23). The cache memory system (24) includes a primary cache (26) comprised of SRAMS and a secondary cache (28) comprised of DRAM. The primary cache (26) has a faster access than the secondary cache (28). When it is determined that the requested data is stored in the primary cache (26) it is transferred immediately to the central processing unit (10). When it is determined that the data resides only in the secondary cache (28), the data is accessed therefrom and routed to the central processing unit (10) and simultaneously stored in the primary cache (26). If a hit occurs in the primary cache (26), it is accessed and output to a local data bus (32). If only the secondary cache (28) indicates a hit, data is accessed from the appropriate one of the arrays (80)-(86) and transferred through the primary cache ( 26) via transfer circuits (96), (98), (100) and (102) to the data bus (32).

Abstract: A trailer-mounted, operator-resident camera having a reflected light viewing system. The camera comprises apparatus for scrubbing and controlling the temperature and humidity of air inside the camera and apparatus for adjusting the distance between the lens assembly and the film plane. Alternative embodiments comprising apparatus for adjusting the position of the film plane inside the camera and for using a pivotable lens assembly and a curved film plane are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible bulkhead (36) is provided that includes a plurality of horizontal poles (38) disposed in channels (54) and (56) on opposite sides of a container (10). Webbing straps (50) and (52) are operable to space the poles (38) a predetermined distance apart when installed between hooks on either side of the container opening and at the upper and lower corners therein. When pulled taut, the webbing straps (50) and (52) maintain the material of the flexible bulkhead (36) in a taut configuration. Flaps (66) and (68) extend from the peripheral edges on the sides of the flexible bulkhead (36) and inward to the container (10). A liner (16) is then disposed in the container (10) and inflated with a vacuum system through a manifold (42) and a blower (22). The flaps (66) and (68) prevent deformation of the flexible material of the bulkhead (36) to minimize air from flowing under and around the flexible bulkhead (36).