Abstract: A folding trauma stretcher (10) having two rectangular frame assemblies (11 and 12) hingedly mounted together and supported by four legs pivotally mounted to the frame members, wherein the frame members are adapted to fold inward into a compact configuration for storage. The stretcher (10) includes a support structure for securing the stretcher in an open, unfolded position, the structure including brace arms (74 and 75) for preventing the legs from pivoting with respect to the frame assemblies and a stop plate (52) and locking means (87) for preventing the frame members from pivoting with respect to each other.

Abstract: A ring guard or insert that is constructed of a soft flexible low durometer thermoplastic rubber that will lay flat and affix to the bottom inside of a finger ring shank by means of adhesion. This device after installation remains flexible that when a finger is inserted through the finger ring, the guard will flex out of the ring and then flex back into the finger ring when in position and will constantly exert pressure against the finger keeping the ring from spinning on the finger.

Abstract: A mailbox having an extension spring located inside the mailbox body between the door and body interior which allows the mailbox door to remain open when it is pivoted below the mailbox floor while at the same time automatically allowing the door to close when it is pivoted above the floor level.

Abstract: A conventional mattress construction which includes a series of interconnected BONNEL type coil springs together with top and bottom covering layers of fabric and padding is modified by the insertion into some of the coils of a circular cylindrical core member formed from foam which has a length greater than the length of the spring so that ends of the core member project outwardly beyond the end of the springs into engagement with the padding on the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress. The core member has a diameter which is a friction fit with the inside diameter of the intermediate turns of the spring. The core members are provided preferably in the center third of the mattress to increase stiffness in that area and to reduce vibrations being transmitted from one occupant to a second occupant.

Abstract: A resin band is formed by molding a first resin member by injection molding to cover a net member excluding its periphery, and by molding a second resin member by injection molding to cover a periphery of the net member exposed from the first resin member. In the resin band formed in this manner, the adhesion strength of the first and second resin members is increased by the net member, and the resin band can be colored in two colors by changing the colors of the first and second resin members.

Abstract: A ground-mounted upright mailbox is provided for receiving and storing therein postal material such as letters and variously-sized packages. The mailbox includes a lower mailbox portion which further defines an inner storage compartment, an upper mailbox portion attached to the lower mailbox portion, and a mounting pipe for securing the mailbox into the ground. A laterally deformable lower bellows member is integrally attached to the mailbox subjacent the lower mailbox portion, the lower bellows member allows the mailbox to laterally deflect from its normal upright position when the mailbox is struck by a physical object. Furthermore, the lower bellows member maintains the mailbox in its deflected position until the mailbox is manually righted. In an alternate embodiment, the upright mailbox is secured to the ground by a plurality of mounting pipes. Each mounting pipe includes a flexible, deformable bellows member protruding from one end and which is adapted for attachment to the lower mailbox portion.

Abstract: A bill box assembly for use with an acceptor adapted to insert acceptable bills into the box through an opening in the box body which supports a door for movement between an open position at which bills can be inserted and a closed position over the opening. A spring loaded bolt locks the box onto the acceptor. A lever is biased to cause a hook on one end thereof to enter an opening in the door in the closed position thereof to lock the door while the other end of the lever releases the bolt. A key-operated lock is adapted to move the lever out of its door locking position. The box is molded in two parts which are assembled with the belt in position.

Abstract: A continuously variable belt or chain transmission wherein the input shaft carries a first adjustable sheave and the output shaft carries a second adjustable sheave. The axially movable flanges of the sheaves are displaceable toward the associated fixedly mounted flanges by hydraulic cylinder and piston units. The pressure of fluid in such units is regulated by a torque sensor which is a hydrostatic pump installed between a prime mover and the input shaft and further serves as a means for eliminating peaks of transmitted torque and/or as a clutch. A second pump is provided to supply pressurized fluid to one or more additional cylinder and piston units which are used to change the ratio of the transmission. The cylinder and piston unit for the axially movable flange of the sheave on the output shaft can contain a diaphragm spring serving to permanently bias the respective movable flange against an endless belt or chain which is trained over the sheaves.

Abstract: A patient examination table, of the type used in an x-ray examination apparatus, has one end secured to a ceiling or floor stand via a tilt mechanism which permits the longitudinal axis of the table to be tilted upwardly or downwardly. The table can be tilted around an imaginary axis, the imaginary axis being movable roughly in the middle of the examination table. The tilt mechanism includes a driven element, which may be a part of the housing for the tilt mechanism, a first gear which is rigidly attached to the stand, a second gear which is rigidly attached to the examination table and a transmission linkage between the first and second gears which permits the second gear to be movable around the drive shaft of the first gear as the driven element is rotated. The second gear is rotated in an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the driven element.

Abstract: Provided is a portable combination lounging mat and pillow comprising a pillow adapted to provide both a cushioned support for a user and a form around which the mat wraps for transportation and storage. The front and back surfaced mat, with extending side flaps for enlarging the usable mat surface area when opened, is secured to the pillow. Within the mat is at least one storage compartment with a mat front surface entrance for use when the mat is opened and a mat back surface entrance for accessing the storage compartment when the mat is wrapped for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A picture frame has a front grid member and a back grid member, with an arrangement of marbles or similar spheres or spheroids retained between the grid members at a central picture opening. A cast zinc one-piece picture holder is secured in place with double-sided tape.

Abstract: A portable patient lifting assembly (10) of the type for lifting and transporting a patient comprises a moveable base (12), an upstanding support member (14) rigidly fixed to the base and extending generally upwardly therefrom and a cantilevered support member (16) extending in cantilevered fashion from the upstanding support member. The assembly is characterized by the upstanding support member (14) and the cantilevered support member (16) being integrally interconnected for preventing all relative movement therebetween so that the cantilevered support member (16) is fixed relative to the upstanding support member (14). The assembly also includes lifting means (18) for raising and lowering a patient suspending from the fixed cantilevered support (16) to and away from the cantilevered support.

Abstract: A speed variator pulley provided with reduced flexion removable rings is used in a variable speed transmission of the V pulley type, provided with a trapezoidal belt. Transmissions of this type are, for example, used in snow scooters, motorcycles, utilitarian or pleasure vehicles or cars without permit or of the TQM type. The pulley of the invention has an arrangement which makes it possible to reduce the axial friction forces which are the cause of a hysteresis effect in the operation of the pulley.

Abstract: In an apparatus for shifting patients and having a mobile frame supported on rollers, a cantilevered platform arranged on the frame, and a transport band (44) which is movable by means of a drive mechanism in both directions and which proceeding from a first winding roll supported in the frame extends over the upper side of the platform, around the free longitudinal edge of the platform and along the bottom side of the platform to a second winding roll supported in the frame and onto which it is windable, both winding rolls (26, 28) are constantly coupled with the drive mechanism (68, 70, 72) with rotary play being provided between each winding roll (26, 28) and the drive mechanism (68, 70, 72). Each winding roll (26, 28) can be biased in its winding direction.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress construction having use as a maternity mattress. The mattress is provided with a central, generally cylindrical cavity which extends through the thickness of the mattress. The lower end of the cavity is enclosed by a bottom panel, while a top panel is located within the cavity and the peripheral edge of the top panel is sealed to the upper surface of the mattress bordering the cavity. The central portion of the top panel is secured to the bottom panel. A gas, such as air, can be supplied to the chamber between the panels to thereby inflate the upper panel and adjust the depth of the cavity to accomodate the abdomen of a pregnant woman.

Abstract: The ear ornament is a continuous member completely extending around the ear. The continuous member has an upper engaging portion resting on the bridge of the ear, a rear portion passing through the channel defined by the pinna of the ear, a lower non-engaging portion extending adjacent to earlobe of the ear, and a front portion extending in front of the ear. The continuous member may include a fastener means for connecting adjacent free ends of a member. A decorative ornament may be integral with a continuous member or be attachable to the continuous member for decoration.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission utilizes a cam loading device with a hydraulically controlled CVT of the metal V-belt type. The cam loading device applies an axial loading force to the pulley flanges in proportion to the output torque. A hydraulic mechanism positions the pulley flanges to compensate for the limited axial movement of the cam mechanism. A preload spring and hydraulic cushion provide a necessary preload while cushioning shock from reversal of torque. The loading force on the CVT is permitted to vary with the output torque to provide improved efficiency for a full range of automotive driving conditions.

Abstract: The inventive device includes a support shaft having a longitudinal axis with a locus that does not change, including when the shaft is positionally rotated about such axis. A collar is mounted on the shaft for supporting an idler pulley having an axis of rotation. An indexing plate is also mounted on the shaft for maintaining a selected position of the collar, the angular position of which is adjustable. An indexing surface is in position-affecting relationship to the collar and defines a plane oriented at an angle with respect to the shaft axis. This angle is adjustable for selecting the position of the collar. The device permits the locus of the axis of rotation of the idler pulley to be selected to maintain alignment of a belt with a driving pulley, thereby preventing such belt from becoming disengaged from the driving pulley.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a frame mounted on a base. Articulating head, seat and leg patient support panels are mounted on the frame. Side guards are mounted on the panels. Patient support panels have longitudinal edges that are collapsible to narrow the bed for transporting a patient. The side guards are inwardly movable to contribute to the narrowing of the bed while still protecting the patient from falling out of the bed.

Abstract: A cover is provided to envelope a regulation mailbox. A cutout is provided in the cover to permit the indicating flag of the mailbox to pass through a side portion of the cover and a cutout is made in the bottom portion of the cover to permit the same to substantially surround the mailbox post. Securing devices, such as snaps, are provided to secure the cover to the mailbox. Side portions may display indicia, such as for indicating the name and address of the owner of the mailbox as well as decorative designs or patterns. The indicia and designs may be stitched onto the cover. Skirts may be provided integral with the two side portions allowing more space to receive further indicia and designs.