Abstract: A birefringent inspection polariscope for inspecting relatively transparent objects for defects is disclosed as having a source of white light to emit light along a path and, positioned in the path, a retarder to diffuse light from the source thereof, a fixed polarizer to circularly polarize the light and a fixed, circularly polarizing analyzer to convert circularly polarized light emanating from the polarizer to plane polarized light. An inspection area, in which to position an object to be inspected, is provided between the polarizer and the analyzer; and a lens is positioned to magnify light emanating from the analyzer. Also provided is a half-wave plate that can be positioned in the path of light to provide a dark background field to facilitate photographic recording.

Abstract: A system for measuring the forces which are applied by a limb of a living being, particularly the hand, wrist, and forearm of a human being, employs a plurality of cable members for conducting the forces exerted in a variety of directions to a single force transducer. In addition to permitting a significant reduction in cost for the apparatus of the invention, the use of a single transducer ensures that all forces are correlated in magnitude with respect to one another, thereby greatly reducing the problems associated with system calibration. The apparatus aspect of the invention permits readings of plural motions and forces to be taken, which readings can be delivered to a recording device, such as a computer for storage, analysis, and cross-correlation of the resulting data with itself and with extrinsic data.

Abstract: A fluid storing and dispensing apparatus (10) is disclosed as having a tubular rubber bladder (12) to store a fluid, a valve (24) to regulate fluid flow from the bladder, and a support (26) that maintains the bladder in a longitudinally stretched condition to initiate desired inherent properties that provide a substantially constant fluid discharge pressure and a greater number of fill cycles prior to bladder failure than is obtainable with an unstretched bladder. Another embodiment includes a container (28) to surround and restrict the maximum diameter of the bladder to limit lateral deformation and thereby considerably increase the number of fill cycles prior to bladder failure. A system (50) for replenishing the fluid storing and dispensing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a conduit, having an input, an output, and a central region therebetween, in conjunction with a nozzle having an inlet, a restricted outlet and a thin-wall throughput region, to measure fluid flow. The nozzle inlet sealingly cooperates with the conduit, and the nozzle throughput region and restricted outlet project into the conduit central region, thereby allowing fluid in the conduit central region to surround the nozzle. The nozzle throughput region elastically deforms circumaxially and longitudinally proportional to varying fluid flow. Sensor means are provided to measure and evaluate the elastic deformation caused by fluid flow and to provide a pressure deformation signal from which fluid flow may be determined. The nozzle is interchangeable to allow nozzles of specified construction and characteristics to be utilized as needed.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a segment of thin wall tubing which has an inlet, an outlet and a central region therebetween to measure flow. The central region is provided with two zones of different area. The meter is provided with a means to measure the elastic deformation of the tube in the two zones which results from the varying fluid flow and pressure. An output means is provided which evaluates the first and second zone deformation signals to generate a fluid mass flow output. Alternative embodiments include means to measure the elastic deformation of the tube to determine fluid density so that fluid mass flow may be determined when pressure and density are unknown.

Abstract: The invention includes a wall member which defines an expandable volume having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The expandable volume varies in size as a function of fluid flow rate, and the deformation of the wall member resulting therefrom provides an indication of flow.

Abstract: Pivotably connecting a first and second housing to allow limited relative rotation along a hinge axis, having a first member provided with a sealing surface and a circumaxial slot extending about the hinge axis projecting into the first housing. The second pivot member sealingly cooperates with the first pivot member and has a port formed therein aligned with the circumaxial slot and extending into the second housing for providing an internal routing for a cable. Attachment means are also provided to axially align and pivotably retain the first and second pivot members.

Abstract: An elastic cushion formed of a elastic cushion tube and a supporting frame. The cushion tube is slit axially to create a pair of slit edges which are elastically expanded to create a cushion tube of C-shaped cross section. The slit edges of the cushion tube are retained in a pair of spaced-apart axial grooves formed in the frame member so that the cushion tube will elastically deform when loaded in a region generally opposite the expanded slit.

Abstract: An apparatus having a pair of brackets for attachment to the feet of the patient which are interconnected by a number of links pivotably attached to the shoe brackets. The shoe brackets are maintained in constant parallel spaced apart relation preventing transverse movement and relative rotation of the patient's feet about the vertical and longitudinal axis. The patient's feet may freely move relative to one another along the longitudinal and vertical axis as well as rotate about the transverse axis.