Abstract: A patient-weight-activated hydraulic knee joint in which flow between hydraulic chambers is controlled by a valve operated by hydraulic pressure and by a force transmission system which transmits the force of a patient's weight, such that the valve is only closed when the patient's weight acts on the knee joint. Closure of the valve locks the knee joint, so hence undesirable locking does not occur during the swing phase of the patient's gait. A damped hydraulic trip valve can also be provided to give improved operation of the knee joint.

Abstract: Dental articulator apparatus includes an articulator base, a post extending upwardly from the articulator base, and an upper articulator member movably mounted on the post. The apparatus incorporates upper and lower dental cast or mold supports which allow the molds to be snapped in place on the apparatus or readily removed therefrom. The apparatus also includes an incisal guide member support connected to the base and extending outwardly therefrom between the upper articulator member and the articulator base. The incisal guide member support has a number of incisal guide member support sides alternatively presented for engagement by an incisal guide member depending from the upper articulator member.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.

Abstract: A string tracking apparatus for archery arrows including an arrow having a hollow tubular shaft with a point attached to one end of the shaft. A nock is attached to the other end of the shaft and fletching is disposed near the nock for stabilizing the arrow in flight. A coil of flexible line is disposed within the hollow shaft. A hook-shaped catching structure is attached to the other end of the flexible line. The hook-shaped catching device is frictionally disposed around the front end of the shaft or around the front end of the point attached to the shaft.

Abstract: A folding brush comprises a case having parallel first and second walls respectively having first and second interior faces spaced from each other to form a cavity. The first wall includes a matrix of cylindrical like slots extending between the first face and a third face on the exterior of the first wall. A frame slides along a longitudinal axis in the cavity between a first retracted, locked position and a second fully extended, locked position. Multiple of tapered, unifilar, generally straight bristle tufts have bases mounted in the frame so longitudinal axes of the tufts rotate together from a first retracted angle displaced slightly from the frame longitudinal axis to a second fully extended angle approximately at right angles to the frame longitudinal axis in response to the frame sliding between the first and second longitudinal positions.