Abstract: A material processor having an enclosure with an ingress to receive material into the enclosure, and a discharge to remove homogenous material from the enclosure. A spindle is located in the enclosure, has a longitudinal spindle axis, and is rotatable about the spindle axis. A drive is operatively connected with the spindle to rotate the spindle about the spindle axis. A centrifugal sieve is located in the enclosure and coupled with the spindle. The ingress feeds material into the sieve. A conveyor is connected with the discharge to transfer mixed material from the enclosure. The conveyor further has a generally cylindrical tube with a tube diameter, two opposing ends, and a tube axis extending through the ends. A helical blade extends along the tube axis between the two ends and is rotated about the tube axis. More particularly, the helical blade may have a series of blade tips that are spaced along the tube axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the level efficiently, and rate of removal of water from an oil or gas well using a progressive cavity pump operated by a rotating drive shaft extending downwardly from ground level to the pump comprises a sensor that detects the downward force on the shaft produced by the dynamic operation of the pump; and a control mechanism responsive to the output from the sensor that correlates the downward force on the pump with liquid depth in the casing and controls pump speed in order to achieve a desired rate of liquid removal from the casing and a desired ultimate depth level of liquid in the casing above the pump. A novel fluid pressure sensing mechanism mounted on the shaft at ground level permits the shaft to rotate while providing an accurate reading of the downward force on the shaft.

Abstract: A folding cover for a pickup truck bed includes an improved adjustable front hinge support for mounting the cover that permits the front panel to be opened and permits lateral, vertical, and longitudinal adjustment of the cover position. A wire spring latch fastens the front panel in a closed position and provides for vertical latch position adjustment. A rear panel side latch is opened with a depressible latch opener at the rear of the cover. An intermediate panel latch fastens the intermediate panels down at the side of the pickup truck bed. These latches release automatically when the cover is folded. Another intermediate panel side latch has a wire spring pin that can be manually or automatically disengaged. The cover also has wind deflecting sloped side edges integral with the panel frame and hinges integral with the panel frame. Novel seals seal the junctions between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A combination desk and fold-out bed comprises a desk top supported on side panels; a pair of movable pedestals that fit in a front area of a desk opening under the desk top and adjacent inner sides of the side panels, the pedestals being removable from the desk opening to serve as night stands; and a fold-up bed mounted in a back area of the desk opening, behind the position of the pedestals when they are positioned in the front area of the desk opening, the bed being movable forwardly through the open front of the desk and unfoldable forwardly to an open position when the pedestals are removed. A pair of movable door panels extend between the pedestals and conceal the folded bed at the rear portion of the desk opening, when the pedestals are in place under the desk top, in the desk opening. The door panels are hinged to the pedestals and pivot forwardly to lay against the sides of the pedestals and provide access to the bed.

Abstract: A game having a target and a projectile that is tossed or pitched to the target. The target has a bottom, has a cup generally centered on the bottom, and perimeter sidewalls that are spaced outward from the cup and surround the bottom. The projectile is a disk member that has indicia disposed thereupon to distinguish the projectile from other projectiles. The target may optionally include an anchor to anchor the target to a surface. Further, the projectile may be a washer that is enclosed in a protective layer. The protective layer may define the distinguishing indicia. The sidewalls may also be constructed as hollow walls, having inner and outer portions. The hollow may optionally be filled with a filler material.

Abstract: A work station desk has a pair of opposing side panels that are generally vertically oriented elongated members. The side panels are generally parallel to and spaced laterally from one another. A work surface is supported above a floor, by the side panels. Further, a top is supported above the work surface, by the side panels. The top has a transparent or translucent panel that is adapted to transmit light through the panel to illuminate the work surface and the work station. A perimeter frame supports the panel in the top.

Abstract: A portable device and method for the application of emergency CPR in remote or field locations comprises the use of a vest-like thoracic garment with straps for quickly fastening it about the chest area of a heart-attack victim. The vest contains bladders to provide pneumatic pressure to effect cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and has integrated-circuit controls for inflation; various functions are set at an initailrate which can be changed during operation. Inflation of the bladders is provided by bottled air or oxygen, or a gas generator. In one embodiment, a mechanical method of flexing the bladders eliminates dependence on stored air. Means for controlling and monitoring the cardiac and/or pulmonary functions of a victim include built-in defibrillation contacts and gauges to observe cardiac and lung functions. Breathing-assistance apparatus is preferably included. Power to operate the device can he supplemented until transfer of the victim to a primary-care facility.

Abstract: A medical irrigation pump and system for providing simultaneous controlled fluid flow from a plurality of reservoirs. The system is disposed to flow fluid sequentially from the reservoirs or to flow fluid simultaneously from two or more of them. This is accomplished by providing fluid in a plurality of bags or pliable containers which are then subjected to controlled pressures to force the fluid therefrom either simultaneously or sequentially, thereby providing versatility and enhanced liquid flow capability.

Abstract: A protected swivel has first and second members connected in swiveling engagement and a sleeve overlaying and enclosing at least a portion of each of the first and second members. The sleeve is coupled in sealing engagement with the first member to swivel with the first member. A first seal is interposed between the sleeve and the second member for sealing engagement of the sleeve with the first member. A second seal extends between the first member and the second member. The second seal may include a barrier layer of a viscous material. A swivel bearing is interposed between the first and second swivel members, with the second seal extending between the bearing and the second swivel member.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved portable litter for the transportation of a patient from the field to a hospital. The litter has devices for monitoring and responding to the condition of the patient, including blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygen, heart rate, and mass. At least one device for assisting the patient's breathing and for stabilizing the heart are provided with the litter. The litter can be folded to reduce its length and provide for ready maneuverability in constricted quarters. Electronic equipment provided with the litter includes an electronic central processing unit and a visual display to permit emergency personnel to maintain a close watch on the patient's condition, and for real-time communication with hospital personnel. The litter has provisions for connection with external air and electrical power, and has lights for operation under conditions of reduced illumination.

Abstract: A front suspension fork assembly for a bicycle comprises a hollow head tube with an enlarged lower end, and a hollow steerer tube with an enlarged lower end rotatably mounted in the head tube by aircraft-type bearings. A standard high performance mountain bike shock absorber is mounted internally in the lower end of the steerer tube. A standard steerer stem is mounted on the top of the steerer tube. A front fork comprising a pair of parallel fork arms interconnected by cross members is mounted to the steerer tube by a four link pivoting mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism comprises an upper and lower link mechanism mounted to the steerer tube above and below the head tube. Each link mechanism comprises a pair of laterally spaced pivot links pivotally attached at rear ends to pivot link brackets attached to the steerer tube. The pivot links extend forwardly to forward ends, which are pivotally attached to the fork at longitudinally adjustable positions on the fork.

Abstract: A method and device for handling blood sample tubes provides a group of interconnected tube receptacles releasably secured to the wrist of an operator. The receptacles are preferably arranged transversely to the wrist in parallel relationship. They are C-shaped in cross-section, and capable of peripheral resilient deformation to provide a gentle clamping action on the tubes.

Abstract: A digging tool of the invention has first and second shovel blades that are aligned in face-to-face orientation and pivotally connected to move clamshell style between open and closed positions. A handle extends from each shovel blade to a grip. When the digging tool is in the open position, the handles criss-cross or overlap and converge from the blades to an overlap point and then diverge from the overlap point to the grips. In the closed position, the shovel blades close toward one another and the handles diverge relatively slightly from the shovel blades to the grips.

Abstract: A furniture unit comprises a closed-front credenza that folds out to form an L-shaped desk. The unit comprises a stationary desk having a partially open front, with a kneehole opening forming at least a portion of the open front. A moveable return pivotally mounted at on one side of the desk comprises a vertical face panel and a work surface mounted at a rear side of the face panel. The return is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the face panel covers the open portion of the front of the desk and the return work surface is concealed behind the face panel, and an open position, wherein the face panel is pivoted outwardly from the front of the desk, exposing the kneehole opening in the desk. The return work surface extends forwardly from the desk alongside the kneehole opening when the return is opened. The face panel is configured so as to create the impression that the furniture unit is a credenza with no kneehole opening when the return is closed.

Abstract: A foot protector is disclosed herein. The foot protector comprises an upper shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the metatarsal or middle portion of the foot; an anterior shield, suitable for conforming to, covering and protecting the phalanges or toe portion of the foot; and a flexible joint which connects the two shields and allows for substantially normal foot motion. The foot protector may be used on cleated athletic footwear, such as those worn by football players, to prevent foot injuries without hindering athletic performance. The foot protector may be equipped with eyelets on the upper shield and a strap or laces on the anterior shield as a means of securing the device to the underlying shoe.