Abstract: A breast form prosthesis of the type commonly used in post-mastectomy procedures comprising a soft flexible film envelope having a triangular periphery. The breast form outer surface is of a convex configuration while the inner surface is a concave configuration, the inner and outer surfaces blending at a thin tapered highly flexible periphery. The periphery is substantially planar and projections homogeneously formed of the material of the form located on the inner surface and disposed on opposite sides of the upper peripheral apex having flat surfaces engaging the wearer simultaneously configure the top of the breast form to provide an improved fit and produce a natural appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus in connectible to a steering wheel for aiding disabled drivers. The apparatus includes a base having a first part and a second part for moving with a respect to one another. The base defines a steering-wheel-receiving aperture between the first and second parts for allowing the base to substantially sheath a portion of the steering wheel. A hinge connection is formed between the first and second parts of the base allowing pivotal movement with respect to one another. The hinge connection is formed along a common edge portion of the first and second parts for allowing placement of the base with respect to the steering wheel. A latch releasibly retains the first and second parts of the base with respect to one another. The latch is connected to the first and second parts opposite from the hinge axis. A knob is connected to the base for gripping by the driver with one hand for controlling movement of the steering wheel when the base is attached to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A material not releasing gaseous organic substances during use is used as a filter medium and a sealing material for tightly sealing between the medium and a frame. Specifically, a synthetic paraffin not containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon having not more than 19 carbon atoms or less is used as a non-silicone type water repellent contained in a treatment agent for forming fibers into a cloth-like filter medium. A carboxylic acid ester having 400 or more molecular weight is used as a plasticizer and a phenolic compound having 300 or more molecular weight is used as an antioxidant to be added to the treatment agent and the sealing material. This enables that the gaseous organic substances are not present in a clean room, a semiconductor production apparatus or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an open web (10) suitable for use in conveying bodies such as root crops and stones and clods, comprising at least two elongate belts (11) extending parallel to each other in spaced apart relation, and a plurality of rods (12) mounted in parallel spaced apart relation across the belts (11). Connecting portions (13) of the rods (12) are enclosed and embedded within the body of the belts (11), and tensile reinforcing (20) extend longitudinally in the body of at least one of the belts (11) so as to provide a tensile load support therefor.

Abstract: The invention relates to spherical particles having a size between 5 and 10,000 nm and containing either SnO.sub.2 or SnO.sub.2 and at least one further oxide of the elements from the 1.sup.st to fifth main groups and/or the transitional metals, the oxides also being capable of containing organic groups. A particle surface is modified with organic groups and a SnO.sub.2 content of the particles lies between 0.1 and 99% by weight.

Abstract: A quick connect coupling for use in a hydraulic clutch control system including a hydraulic master cylinder and a hydraulic slave cylinder. One of the coupler members of the quick connect coupling includes a central axial passage defining an inlet at one end of the passage and including a diaphragm positioned at the other end of the passage at right angles to the passage in fluid communication with fluid flowing through the passage. The passage further includes a radial passage portion communicating with the central passage and extending to a fluid port for the coupler member. Hydraulic fluid flowing through the coupler member communicates with an inboard face of the diaphragm so that the diaphragm functions to attenuate pulsations in the hydraulic fluid and preclude transmission of the pulsations rearwardly in the system to the clutch pedal.

Abstract: A plastic molding with a plastic carrier (62) comprises several regions (50, 52, 54) separated from one another, at least some of these regions (50, 52, 54) being provided with optionally different films (40, 42). In the production of this non-coherent individual moldings separated from one another by separating spaces (46, 58) and corresponding to the regions (50, 52, 54) are first of all produced. Melt of the plastic carrier (62) is then injected into the separating spaces (46, 58), the individual moldings thereby being joined together. The plastic molding thus constitutes a one-piece whole which can be produced in a single production device (1).

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a motor vehicle which acts to preclude inadvertent unlatching of the door in response to a side impact. The door handle assembly includes a bezel housing and a handle member including a handle portion positioned in a bowl portion of the bezel housing and a crank arm portion extending outwardly and upwardly through a slot in the bowl portion for connection to a pivot shaft. A sliding, spring biased weight is mounted on the bowl portion of the bezel proximate the location where the crank arm of the handle passes through the slot in the bowl portion. The weight moves slideably into coaction with a detent structure on the crank arm of the handle member in response to a side impact to preclude pivotal movement of the handle member in an unlatching direction.

Abstract: A method for improving surface adhesion characteristics of a polymeric substrate and/or virgin polymeric material in which the portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate and/or virgin polymeric material to be treated is contacted with a composition containing at least one oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent in the composition is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate which is reactive with the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. Contact between the composition containing the oxidizing agent and the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material is maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate/virgin polymeric material. The oxidizing agent of choice is a halogenated bivalent oxygen compound. The oxidizing agent is activated by an activator agent containing at least one carboxylic acid group or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A net type cargo restraining system for motor vehicles of the type having a cargo floor with a front area, and a hinged exterior door which opens from outside the vehicle to provide access to the cargo floor. The restraining system comprises a net member having a length, the net member being detachably connected between a first point proximate the front area of the cargo floor and a second point on the door, whereby the net member is raised and lowered with the door to provide access to the cargo floor for loading and unloading purposes and to capture cargo on the floor when the door is closed. The restraining system further comprises a mechanism for varying the length of the net member between the first point and the second point while maintaining significant tension in the net member, thereby to accommodate cargo of varying size. A further embodiment comprises a load retention net comprising a netting member adapted to restrain stowage within the cargo area from entering the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An extendable neck/face protecting ballistic shield attached to a ballistic vest for rapid deployment between storage and neck/face protecting positions.

Abstract: An articulated prosthesis includes first and second stem members each anchorable to a bone member at one of the ends of the stem member and the stem member having an aperture with a surrounding surface at the other end. Disposed between the first and second stem members is a movable joint part including a socket and ball combination. The socket has a generally spherical configuration with a hollow interior and a rectangular access port to the interior. The socket has one surface portion having a complementary configuration to the surrounding surface of the stem member ends for adjustable connection to one of the stem members. The ball has a circular configuration with a thickness configured to pass through the access port so that the ball can be rotated within the socket to encapsulate and secure the ball for rotatable motion. The ball has a surface portion having a complementary configuration to the surrounding surface of the stem member ends for adjustable connection to the other stem member.

Abstract: A cargo locking device for restraining wheeled carts in freight trailers, trucks or railway cars from rolling. An elongated frame is slidably positionable within elongated spaced tracks. An abutment plate is pivotally mounted on the frame between storage and operative positions, and a prop lock bar pivoted to the frame selectively maintains the abutment plate in its operative position to prevent cart movement. The abutment plate and lock bar are pivotal to the non-obtrusive storage position.

Abstract: A machine for heat staking utilizes an infrared heat lamp to direct radiant energy onto a plastic stud to heat and soften the plastic material prior to the staking punch impacting the stud. In a first embodiment of the invention, the lamp is mounted directly above and in coaxial alignment with the staking punch such that the lamp points downward toward the plastic stud. An annular reflector is positioned in a radially surrounding relationship to the stud such that all of the radiant energy emitted by the lamp strikes the reflector and is redirected radially inward onto the stud. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, an infrared lamp is mounted on a non-moving portion of the staking press machinery and one or more fiber-optic cables extend from the lamp to the vicinity of the stud. The fiber-optic cables gather substantially all of the radiant energy produced by the lamp and direct it onto the stud.

Abstract: An electrically operated drain valve for recreational vehicles economically fabricated primarily of synthetic plastic parts which is relatively free of corrosion at critical areas and readily retrofitted to existing recreational vehicle drain systems. A housing containing a geared reversible electric motor operating a linear displaceable rack associated with the drain valve operator permits the drain valve to be displaced between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An extensible support apparatus for extending the length of an endless conveyor belt system including a set of roller supporting frames arranged in a row with each having a vertically extending framework with rollers for the conveyor rotatably mounted thereon and a horizontally extending elongate frame member. Connectors are mounted on the frame members so that each is movable horizontally along the frame member of an adjacent supporting frame. A loading apparatus is also provided for arranging this support apparatus in the conveyor belt system. The loading apparatus includes a base frame, a loading frame pivotably mounted on one side of the base frame and a horizontally movable supporting frame capable of supporting the extensible support apparatus.