Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a polymer comprising imidazole ring units having nitrogen at the 1 and 3 positions of the ring; a carbon at each of the 2, 4 and 5 positions of the ring; and radical substituents G1 and G2 carried at the 4 and 5 positions. G1 and G2 are each independently selected from cyano, substituents derived from cyano, and substituents which replace cyano. The polymers formed by at least two of the cyclic imidazole units. In another embodiment, the invention provides new imidazole compounds usable as monomers to form the polymers. In still another embodiment, the invention provides a method for using the polymers as a coupling/activator for synthon synthesis.

Abstract: The forward portion of a shampoo bowl is formed with a neck rest for receiving and supporting the back of the neck of an individual seated in a chair located forwardly of the bowl. The shampoo bowl is wall-mounted and pivotally connected for selective tilting of the forward portion of the bowl to raise or lower the height of the neck rest so as to accommodate individuals of varying heights seated in the chair.

Abstract: A playset toy provides multiple play environments selected by inverting the toy. The toy includes a playset body and parts attached to the body. The parts are constructed to alter their position relative to the body upon inversion such that inversion conceals one play environment and reveals another play environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound having conjugated double bonds in an acyclic structure formed by Schiff base reaction between an unsaturated aldehyde (RCHO) and diaminomaleonitrile (DE). The compound is a monoalkylated DAMN derivative having one unit of diaminomaleonitrile for every unit of alkyl (RC) derived from the unsaturated aldehyde. The invention also provides a polymer having an acyclic structure and containing monomeric units formed by Schiff base reaction between an unsaturated aldehyde and a diaminomaleonitrile.

Abstract: A fluid controller (17) having a housing (21) and valving including a spool (41) and a follow-up sleeve (43). The spool and sleeve define a central reference plane (RP) with the housing having two annular chambers (61, 62) receiving pressurized fluid from an inlet port (23). One of the annular chambers (61) communicates pressurized fluid to the main flow control orifice (A1) in a left turn, and to the flow amplification orifice (AQ) in a right turn, while the other annular chamber (62) communicates pressurized fluid to the main flow control orifice (A1) in a right turn, and to the flow amplification orifice (AQ) in a left turn. A check valve (103,105) is associated with each of the annular chambers, such that one check valve (103) is an inlet check in a right turn and a reverse flow prevention check while manually steering in a left turn, whereas the other check valve (105) is an inlet check in a left turn and a reverse flow prevention check while manually steering in a right turn.

Abstract: A fluid controller (17) is disclosed of the type including a relatively rotatable valve spool (95) and valve sleeve (97) which define a series of variable control orifices (71-76) during normal steering operations. Fluid flow to a control port (27) is controlled by a variable control orifice (74). During small steering corrections, at relatively small valve displacements, the present invention provides an additional variable control orifice (155), which opens before the control orifice (74) opens. A form of check valve (153) is in series with the additional orifice (155), and downstream thereof, to prevent reverse flow from the control port (27) through the controller. The invention is especially beneficial in controllers of the dynamic load signal type including a load signal drain orifice (76) which is open to the system reservoir (R) at the relatively small displacements.

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump includes a disposable cassette having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid chamber between the inlet and the outlet. There is a fixed wall of the fluid chamber and a movable wall of the fluid chamber. A pump body receives the cassette in a fixed operating relationship such that an actuator in the pump body is activatable for reciprocal advancement and retraction with respect to the cassette and is adapted to confront the movable diaphragm when the cassette is received in the pump body. There is a detachable coupling between the actuator mounted in the pump body and the movable wall so that fluid is expelled from the fluid chamber on advancement of the actuator and positively drawn into the fluid chamber upon retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: A flow limiter mechanism for use with an infusion pump of the type operating upon a disposable cassette held by the infusion pump and having a flow tube connected to the cassette. The flow limiter includes a receiving channel located on the infusion pump adjacent to the disposable cassette held by the infusion pump. A tube pincher is operatively associated with the receiving channel to pinch the flow tube in a clamped position and mechanically retractable to an unclamped position to allow the flow tube to open. Electrical controls are connected for selectably operating the tube pincher from the clamped closed position to the unclamped opened position while the disposable cassette is held by the infusion pump. A flow clip is attached to the flow tube and is manually operable between opened and closed clipping positions prior to inserting the disposable cassette into the infusion pump.

Abstract: A controller (11) and a system for controlling the flow of fluid to a fluid pressure operated device (C) are disclosed. The controller is of the type including a rotatable spool valve (35) and a relatively rotatable sleeve valve (37). Relative rotation between the spool and sleeve define a main fluid path (MFP) and relative axial movement therebetween defines an auxiliary fluid path (AFP). An actuator (65) generates a mechanical output (71) in response to an electrical input signal (CS) to move the sleeve (37) between its neutral axial position (FIG. 6) and an axial operating position (FIG. 7). Axial movement of the sleeve is controlled by a joystick (J). The system includes various sensors (S,PS,G,P), which can sense a predetermined condition and generate an interrupt signal to interrupt or change the gain of the electrical input signal (CS).

Abstract: A fluid infusion pump includes a disposable cassette having an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid chamber between the inlet and the outlet. There is a fixed wall of the fluid chamber and a movable wall of the fluid chamber. A pump body receives the cassette in a fixed operating relationship such that an actuator in the pump body is activatable for reciprocal advancement and retraction with respect to the cassette and is adapted to confront the movable diaphragm when the cassette is received in the pump body. There is a detachable coupling between the actuator mounted in the pump body and the movable wall so that fluid is expelled from the fluid chamber on advancement of the actuator and positively drawn into the fluid chamber upon retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: A hydrostatic power steering device (11;111) is provided of the type including a primary, spool valve (35;135), and a follow-up, sleeve valve (37;137). During normal operation, relative rotation of the spool and sleeve define one or more variable flow control orifices (A1A5; AN; A1) and these orifices have a first area versus deflection relationship when the sleeve is biased to its first position (FIG. 5; FIG. 10). The sleeve may be moved toward a second position (FIG. 6; FIG. 11) in response to an input (95, 99) other than rotation of the vehicle steering wheel. In the second axial position of the sleeve, the flow control orifice has a different area versus deflection relationship, the difference providing a useful steering or ancillary function.

Abstract: A quick attach/release pole clamp is mounted on the side of a medical instrument case. A stationary clamp member is secured to the case and a movable clamp member slides in a slot oriented at a slight acute angle to the vertical, so that it moves toward and away from the stationary clamp member as it moves up and down the slot. A spring biases the movable clamp member toward the top of the slot so that the clamp is moved to the closed position. The user may support the instrument case in two hands while depressing the sliding clamp member to permit the clamp members to be positioned around a pole. When the pressure is released, the spring causes the clamp to close on the pole. A camming lever permits the user to provide positive latching of the clamp member from movement, and to engage an anti-rotation element with the pole. An interlock prohibits activation of the camming lever while the movable clamp member is being depressed.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming radius corners from bulkstock is disclosed. The method comprises the step of disposing the bulkstock in a first fixture for securing said bulkstock. A first general radial exterior surface is then formed. The bulkstock is then disposed in a second fixture for securing the bulkstock. Finally, a second generally radial posterior surface is formed on the bulkstock. Additional fixtures which are disclosed wherein may also be used.

Abstract: A fluid controller (15) is provided of the type having a primary valve member (53) and a follow-up valve member (55). The controller includes a housing (41) defining main fluid ports (27,29) connected to a steering cylinder (19), and also defines auxiliary fluid ports (31,33), connected to an auxiliary fluid motor (21). The spool and sleeve cooperate with the housing to provide main control valving (35) controlling the flow of fluid to the steering cylinder in response to relative rotation of the spool and sleeve, and auxiliary control valving (35), controlling the flow to the auxiliary motor in response to axial motion of the sleeve, relative to the spool and housing. By performing both the main and auxiliary valving in the spool and sleeve, the main valving (35) is automatically given priority over the auxiliary valving (37), without the need for any expensive, complicated controls or interface between the two types of valving.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming radius corners from bulkstock is disclosed. The method comprises the step of disposing the bulkstock in a first fixture for securing said bulkstock. A first general radial exterior surface is then formed. The bulkstock is then disposed in a second fixture for securing the bulkstock. Finally, a second generally radial posterior surface is formed on the bulkstock. Additional fixtures which are disclosed herein may also be used.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming radius corners from bulkstock is disclosed. The method comprises the step of disposing the bulkstock in a first fixture for securing said bulkstock. A first general radial exterior surface is then formed. The bulkstock is then disposed in a second fixture for securing the bulkstock. Finally, a second generally radial posterior surface is formed on the bulkstock. Additional fixtures which are disclosed herein may also be used.

Abstract: A toy vehicle with opposed faces on the chassis has a pivotally movable piece carried by the chassis with the piece being biased by a bowed overcenter spring away from a playing surface on which the toy vehicle is supported on its wheels. The portion of the movable biased piece oriented away from the playing surface projects beyond the upper periphery of the wheels. When the toy vehicle flip over, impact upon the projecting portion of the movable biased piece overcomes the bias and pivots the piece so that an opposed portion projects out the other face of the chassis to present a differently styled vehicle. Trackway segments are also provided to effect and end over end flip over of the vehicle and a side or rollover flip of the vehicle.

Abstract: A toy robot having a handle, one or more small vehicle-receiving recesses provided in its head and/or on its torso and limbs and blade-like supporting posts for vehicle track members. Certain of the robot's vehicle-receiving recesses may have associated therewith vehicle-propelling means and/or track member mounting posts whereby to permit the provision of exit ramps therefrom. The robot serves not only as an independent toy and as a small vehicle carrier, but also permits cooperative play action between the robot and the small vehicles.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a front to back dimension includes a body with a forward end and a rearward end. The body carries an extendable tail section adjacent the rearward end for extension from a retracted position adjacent the rearward end to an extended position for increasing the front to back dimension of the vehicle. When the vehicle encounters a change in the angle of the playing surface or a force is otherwise exerted on the distal portion of the extendable section, a motor driven gear engages a rack and drives the extendable section away from the body of the vehicle.