Abstract: A non-slip sewing ruler comprising an elongate guide member including a pair of apertures disposed therein. Releasably attached to the top surface of the guide member is a handle member having a pair of pin members extending therefrom. Each of the pin members defines a pin point which is received into a respective one of the apertures when the handle member is attached to the guide member. The handle member is selectively movable between a first position wherein the pin points reside within the apertures, and a second position wherein the pin points protrude from the bottom surface of the guide member.

Abstract: A needleless injection site comprising a housing which defines an interior chamber and a central opening which communicates with the interior chamber. The housing further defines a proximally extending dilator projection portion which is co-axially aligned with the central opening and a distally extending adapter portion. The dilator projection and adapter portions define a continuous fluid passage. Disposed within the central opening and the interior chamber is a reseal member which has an elastically openable and closable aperture formed therein. The reseal member normally resides in a first position within the housing wherein the aperture is in a closed configuration. The reseal member is deformable such that the application of distally directed pressure thereto will cause the reseal member to distally advance within the housing to a second position wherein the aperture assumes an open configuration and communicates with the fluid passage.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump comprising a housing which defines a pump inlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump inlet port and a pump outlet chamber in fluid communication with a pump outlet port. Disposed within the housing is a wobble plate which is adapted to pump fluid from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber. Selectively insertable into and removable from within the housing is a modular pump component. The modular pump component is adapted to modify the operational characteristics of the pump when inserted into the pump housing.

Abstract: Protective eyeglasses (e.g., sunglasses) for use in high-speed outdoor sports activities, the lenses thereof being resistant to condensation, is achieved by air circulation created by venturi effects. The glasses comprise a frame front having middle portions over the wearer's eyes which support protective lenses, and having endpiece portions near the wearer's temples, the outboard edges of which attach temples which hold the glasses in place. A chamber is defined by the volume between the lenses and the wearer's face, and gaps are defined by the distance between the middle portions of the frame front and the wearer's face. Apertures in each of the endpiece portions of the frame front define an entrance of a ventilation channel for air flow through the frame front, adjacent to the respective chamber. Venturi forces are created within the ventilation channels to facilitate circulation of air.

Abstract: An energy dissipating connector for coupling first and second rebar members together has a housing for receiving ends of the first and second rebar members, and a viscoelastic material disposed within the housing and interconnecting at least one of the rebar members with the housing. The viscoelastic material facilitates longitudinal movement of the first and second rebar members relative to one another in response to longitudinal tension and compression forces applied to the first and second rebar members.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying polymer to metal pipe during the pipe forming process has a pump for pumping the polymer, a first extruder die receiving polymer from the pump and configured to apply polymer to metal pipe as the metal pipe is being formed from metal stock, and a second extruder die for forming pipe couplers. A valve effects diversion of the polymer from the first extruder die to the second extruder die when a stoppage of the pipe forming process occurs.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductive vias in a non-conductive substrate having a through-hole formed therein intermediate two side thereof. The method utilizes the steps of: applying gold paste to the through-hole so as to provide electrical conduction therethrough; and under firing the gold paste when a thin conductive film is present upon the substrate and fully firing the gold paste when no thin conductive film is present on the substrate. Under firing the gold paste when a thin-film is present upon the substrate prevents degradation of the thin conductive film. Subsequent processing of the gold paste assures the integrity and reliability thereof. Thus, the gold paste provides enhanced conductivity and improved reliability, as compared to contemporary thin-film vias.

Abstract: A needleless port system for depositing a sample of biological material into a vacuum container. The system comprises a generally dome-shaped or bell-shaped housing having an upper end and a bottom end, the latter being designed and configured to axially engage a vacuum container receivable therethrough. The system further includes at least one passageway, preferably disposed along a top portion thereof, for establishing fluid communication with a source of biological material. The system further preferably includes a hollow, generally spike-shaped member for depositing the biological sample into the vacuum container. Axially disposed within the housing and axially received about the generally spike-shaped member is a seal member designed and configured to penetrably and sealingly receive the distal tip of the spike member. The seal member is preferably designed and configured to selectively control the amount of biological material drawn into the vacuum container.

Abstract: A flashlight comprising an elongate housing having front and back ends. Disposed within the housing is a power source, while disposed within the front end of the housing is a light source which is electrically connected to the power source. Pivotally connected to the housing is a stand member which is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The stand member is operable to support the housing at a desired angle relative to a generally planar surface when moved to the deployed position and rested upon the surface.

Abstract: A spin coating fixture for holding a planar substrate includes a base, against which the substrate bears, and self-engaging tooling pins that bear against the substrate, holding the substrate in the fixture. The self-engaging tooling pins are preferably connected to weights, which respond to forces generated by rotation of the fixture. Changing directions of gravitational forces and centrifugal forces on the weights are operative to cause the weights to move, bringing the tooling pins into contact with the substrate. Prior to the spin coating operation, the substrate is lowered straight down into the fixture. Upon beginning rotation of the fixture, the tooling pins are self-engaged to hold the substrate. After the spinning operation is completed, the tooling pins self-disengage allowing immediate and unobstructed removal of the substrate.

Abstract: A variable size, portable above-the-ground swimming pool comprising a frame portion having a flexible liner portion attached thereto. The frame portion includes a plurality of first wall members which are of a first length. Attached to and extending between the top ends of the first wall members are a plurality of rim members. The liner portion includes an upper rim which defines a plurality of horizontally oriented rim sleeves sized to slidably receive respective ones of the rim members. Extending downwardly from the upper rim is a sidewall which defines inner and outer surfaces. Disposed on the outer surface of the sidewall are a plurality of vertically oriented wall sleeves which are sized to slidably receive respective ones of the first wall members, while attached to the sidewall is a floor. The sidewall is of a first height, and is selectively collapsible to a second height which is less than the first height.

Abstract: The distensible annuloplasy ring which may be enlarged, in situ, by application of dilatory pressure by way of a balloon or other dilating apparatus. The distensible annuloplasy ring of the invention is usable in pediatric patients whose growth, subsequent to surgical implantation of the ring, will necessitate subsequent enlargement of the ring to accommodate growth of the annulus. The invention includes a transluminal and/or transeptal method for post-implantation enlargement of the annuloplasty ring via catheter.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining desired air pressure within a vehicle tire utilizes inertial forces from changes in vehicle speed. The device includes a flywheel attached to and concentric with the vehicle wheel but free to rotate relative the wheel, and an air compressor attached to the vehicle wheel and connected to the tire, the compressor piston responsive to rotation of the flywheel with respect to the vehicle wheel to pass air into the tire. Preferably a connecting rod converts the rotation of the flywheel relative the wheel into the reciprocating sliding of a piston to operate the air compressor. Additionally, a centrifugal intake valve is preferably provided that seals off the inlet passageway to the air compressor when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly to prevent contaminants from entering.

Abstract: An aircraft maintenance elevation system comprising a plurality of elevator platforms and a plurality of electro-mechanical drive assemblies which are coupled to and operable to selectively raise and lower respective ones of the elevator platforms. The elevation system further includes a control device which is electrically connected to the drive assemblies and is operational in a first mode wherein the elevator platforms may be raised and lowered independently of each other and a second mode wherein the elevator platforms may be simultaneously raised and lowered.

Abstract: An actuator is disclosed, which comprises a drive motor, a rotary member to be rotated by the drive motor, and a plunger for reciprocating in its axial direction. The plunger has a first and second guide portions formed thereon. The actuator further comprises a guiding member held in the rotary member. The guiding member includes a first spiral guide surface for guiding the first guide portion therealong to move the plunger in a direction to protrude it, a second spiral guide surface for guiding the second guide portion therealong to move the plunger in a direction to retract it, a first position regulating surface for regulating the retraction of the plunger when it contacts with the first guide portion, and a second position regulating surface for regulating the protrusion of the plunger when it contacts with the second guide portion.

Abstract: A device for forming an arcuate ceiling structure which is positionable between first and second opposed rows of vertical wall studs having at least one horizontal header extending therebetween. The device comprises a first ledger attached to the first row of wall studs and the second ledger attached to the second row of wall studs. At least one arcuate member is provided which has first and second longitudinal ends, an arcuate upper surface and an arcuate undersurface. The length between the first and second ends is such that when the arcuate member is positioned between the first and second ledgers, the first end will abut the first ledger, the second end will abut the second ledger, a portion of the upper surface will abut a header, and the undersurface will form an arcuate support surface to which a sheet of finishing material may be applied.