Abstract: A computerized ultrasound scanner is disclosed having operator-actuable apparatus for selectively choosing one of a plurality of video processing techniques utilized to convert information from ultrasonic pulse reflections into a video displayed image of the interior region of an examined body.

Abstract: A bidirectional butterfly valve comprising sealing means for a movable valve member in the form of a seating ring and retaining means therefor cooperatively configured to maintain bidirectional axial sealing engagement with the retaining means and radial sealing engagement with the movable valve member at normally encountered or cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: A radiographic fluoroscopic X-ray table including a rigid fluoroscopic staging apparatus where the spot film device is synchronized along the transverse axis with the X-ray tube by means of a telescoping shaft assembly. The telescoping shaft assembly engages a rack in the spot film device and drives a sprocket and chain system connected to the X-ray tube and collimator. The telescoping shaft also increases and decreases its length to accomodate the spot film device being moved up and down in the vertical direction above the table. The spot film device and the fluoroscopic staging aparatus are counterbalanced in the vertical direction and along the table's longitudinal axis through a system of pulleys, cables and counterweights. A power assist system is provided to drive the staging apparatus along the longitudinal axis of the X-ray table.

Abstract: The driving stud of a socket wrench includes an aperture through which a detent protrudes to lock a socket thereon. A push bar mounted in the head of the socket wrench is notched to receive the detent and may be shifted to allow retraction of the detent and release of the socket. The notch is formed with a trough to prevent twisting of the push bar with respect to the axis of the aperture and to insure the proper seating of the detent on two surfaces of the trough.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus is disclosed for recovering a metal from a solution in which the metal is present in ionic form. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated strip of plastic film coated on both sides thereof with conductive coatings to form anodic and cathodic surfaces. The film strip is located between two end plates to form a cell. The strip is formed into a spiral or helix so as to place the anodic surface opposite the cathodic surface. The cell is mounted within a canister and fluid passageways are provided to enable metal ion-containing solution to pass through the helical cell. Electrical leads are provided to equally distribute the plating current throughout the cell.

Abstract: A method and circuitry are disclosed for displaying the A-Trace of ultrasonic reflections on a video screen. The disclosed system provides means for writing pulse reflection data into memory, and means for selectively accessing the memory to place the data on the screen in graphical form. The data is stored and accessed in a format which is compatible with the scan pattern associated with the video display.

Abstract: An injection molding machine having a safety gate slidable to a closed position to block access to a mold space includes a lever and a latch which cooperate with an adjustable safety bar mounted on a movable platen of the molding machine to prevent the safety gate from being opened during a machine cycle. The lever and the latch also prevent the machine from operating when the safety bar is not properly adjusted.

Abstract: A commutation sensor circuit for a DC-to-DC silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) chopper circuit to protect against commutation failure by determining the commutation capability of the chopper. This determination is made by testing two conditions, first, the applied voltage is measured and used to predict the commutation voltage available after a main SCR has been gated on and a commutating capacitor charged, and second, the available commutation voltage is measured after the main SCR has been gated on and the commutating capacitor charged. The first test allows the chopper to turn on if the predicted voltage when compared to the current flowing is sufficient to commutate the chopper. The second test initiates a commutation if the current flowing in the chopper reaches the maximum commutating ability of the chopper.

Abstract: A rinsing tank constructed to allow low volume water flow from an ingress point at one end of the tank to an outlet. Weirs are provided in the path of water flow to normally dam scum driven by the water flow yet allow passage of water. The rinsing water is, therefore, free of scum over a major part of its surface to permit immersion into and withdrawal from clear water of parts to be rinsed. Immersion of parts raises the water level in the tanks whereby scum dammed by the weirs can rise and pass over the weirs to the tank outlet.

Abstract: A DC-to-DC chopper circuit has a first switch that is selectively actuated to supply load current to a regulated bus and bus voltage to a resonating circuit which increases the applied voltage to approximately twice the value of the bus voltage, and a second switch selectively actuated so that the current on the bus flows through the resonating circuit discharging the increased voltage stored therein to zero whereupon a freewheeling circuit permits the established current to freewheel until the next chopper cycle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic dental scaler is disclosed having a handpiece which comprises an outer shell, housing an electromechanical vibrator. The vibrator consists of a magnetostrictive transducer positioned within an energizing coil located within the shell, an acoustical impedance transformer connected at one end to the transducer, and a dental work tool connected to the other end of the transformer. The transformer provides an acoustical transmission line between the transducer and the work tool. An o-ring is mounted inside the sleeve at the balance point of the transformer to form the sole support for the vibrator. The o-ring support causes the nodal plane of the vibrator to shift from its natural position to the supported position. This forced shift of the nodal plane from its natural position causes the frequency of the system to change from its otherwise induced frequency so that the transducer length may be shortened without forfeiture of the desired operating frequency employed by such scalers.

Abstract: A conical compression spring having the characteristics of a cylindrical spring of much greater free length. The spring is characterized by wire whose diameter diminishes from base to apex end and by coils whose pitch diminishes from base to apex end such that the ratio of mean coil diameter to wire diameter is constant from coil to coil. Further, each coil diameter is preferably dimensioned to fit within the next larger coil permitting a spring to be designed which exhibits a small solid compressed height.

Abstract: A traveler for use on vertical textile yarn spinning or twisting rings. The traveler comprises two parts. A ring contacting part bears against the spinning ring as the traveler travels around the ring and a yarn contacting part engages the yarn as it passes from the feed rolls to the bobbin on which the spun yarn is wound. The ring contacting part is joined to the heat-conductive, yarn contacting part so that a substantial portion of its surface is exposed to the atmosphere. As the traveler spins around the ring, heat generated in the area where the yarn frictionally engages the yarn contacting part is conducted away from this area and is dissipated into the atmosphere due to the motion of the air past the exposed surface of the yarn contacting part. The yarn contacting area is thereby cooled.

Abstract: A high-production, precision machine tool has means for varying the feed rate of the tool during the actual machining of each workpiece. The means comprise a plurality of program cams disposed on the camshaft of the machine tool for selecting the appropriate feed rate at the desired time during the machining operation. The camshaft is rotated by a permanent magnet D.C. motor, and as the camshaft rotates, the program cams, in turn, trip a plurality of switches to gate one of several predetermined voltage signals representative of the desired motor speeds to a comparator which compares the gated signal with the output of a tachometer measuring the actual motor speed. The difference, a voltage signal representative of the correction to be made to the motor, is applied to a silicon controlled rectifier firing circuit which selectively fires an SCR network, generating a shaped pulse to provide a controlled voltage input to the motor, thereby selectively controlling its speed.

Abstract: This device uses a piezoelectric crystal for converting electrical energy into mechanical vibrations which are transmitted to a dental workpiece for use in cleaning teeth. The device includes a front cap having flats which engage flats on the tip base attached to the dental workpiece and allows dental workpieces to be interchanged. The device includes a tie rod disposed within the tubular crystal around which water circulates between the tie rod and the tubular crystal. Axial bores allow passage of the water to the tip of the workpiece to wash away debris on the teeth during cleaning.

Abstract: A pilfer-proof display comprising a board including an area having a predetermined configuration, a plurality of object receiving posts secured to the board within this area with the free end of each post extending a selected distance from the board, a transparent substantially rigid cover member having an area substantially coextensive with the board area, at least one aperture in the transparent cover member proximate one edge thereof, a second aperture in the transparent cover member remote from the one edge, at least one supporting post secured to the board at a location selected to permit passage through the one aperture, the supporting post including at the free end thereof means for preventing the separation of the board and the cover member, proximate the supporting post, beyond the selected distance when the cover member and board are in parallel relation, the preventing means and the one aperture being selectively configured to permit rotation of the cover member about an axis parallel to the board,

Abstract: A textile spinning ring for use with a traveler having a yarn-engaging loop extending above a C-shaped ring-engaging traveler body, has means for preventing the yarn from becoming hooked under the traveler body rather than under the loop when the traveler is pieced-up in preparation for spinning. An annular flange configured to conform with the shape of the traveler extends inwardly from the body of the annular ring, the flange presenting a profile lower than the profile of the ring body. A low-profile bridge connects the flange with the ring body, and forms a recess which contains the ends of the traveler body. The flange, bridge and ring body are further configured and dimensioned so that the upper surface of the traveler body is substantially flush with the upper surface of the ring body when the traveler is resting on the flange.

Abstract: A line voltage monitor for monitoring the voltage applied to electrical equipment and for providing an indication or protective disablement of the equipment in the event excessive variations occur in the line voltage. The line voltage monitor includes a steady state voltage sensing means and a transient voltage sensing means for detecting both types of voltage variations.

Abstract: A dental instrument delivery system is disclosed that not only provides for the needs of the doctor, but comfortably accommodates the dental assistant. The delivery system comprises a pair of dental units individually mounted on swivels to be positioned about a dental chair. The first dental unit includes a work surface and a control module having a plurality of airdriven handpieces and a three-way syringe mounted thereon. The second unit also includes a work surface along with having various handpieces, such as a syringe, evacuator, and saliva ejector mounted thereon. Each of the swivels supporting a respective dental unit includes a pair of pivotally interconnected legs which are connected to a common pivot point located on a base having a support structure which is positioned below the base of the dental chair. This construction enables the dental units to be moved freely about the chair and also to be easily interchanged from the right to the left hand positions.