Abstract: A seat belt retractor (10) includes a spool (70) which is rotatable about a first axis (52). An idler gear (270) is disposed in an opening (254) in a drive disc (240) which is rotatable about the first axis (52). The idler gear (270) rotates, in response to rotation of the spool (70), about a second axis (256) which is spaced from the first axis (52). As the idler gear (270) rotates about the second axis (256), it also orbits about the first axis (52) and causes the drive disc (240) to rotate about the first axis. The drive disc (240) moves a cinch lever (200) into a cinching position to block rotation of the spool (70) in a belt withdrawal direction (76) after a first predetermined amount of webbing (16) is withdrawn from the spool (70) and then a second predetermined amount of webbing is rewound on the spool.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt webbing retractor (10) includes a frame (40) and a spool (32) on which belt webbing (16) is wound. The spool (32) has a longitudinal axis (64) about which the spool rotates in a belt withdrawal direction (86) and in an opposite belt retraction direction (88). A shaft (34) supports the spool (32) on the frame (40) for rotation about the axis (64). The shaft (34) has at least a pair of tubular portions (154, 156) which extend parallel to the axis (64) and which are longitudinally coextensive along the axis. The tubular portions (154, 156) extend between spaced side walls (48, 50) of the frame (40). The tubular portions (154, 156) provide increased bending strength for the shaft (34).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of scanning images in a video presentation. The disclosure is particularly directed to the use of such an apparatus and method in stereotactic surgery, wherein acquisition of a plurality of scanner images, conversion of these images into a selected standard format, storage of the acquired and converted images, selective recall and display of at least two of the images, and independent manipulation of each of the images for comparison are provided. Probe placement can be simulated and the images can be enhanced in various ways. The images used can be, for example, CT, PET, X-ray, DSA, isotope, and NMR scans. Brain map atlas images can be superimposed on and fitted to the scan images of a particular brain. Video displays of three dimensional simulations can also be produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining, in three dimensions, the location, size, depth and width of tumors, lesions, abnormalities, structures, and the like, particularly useful for stereotactic surgery. The invention utilizes several energy beams which, when they intersect, allow for such measurements and calculations. In one embodiment, the energy sources attach to a stereotactic frame. In an alternative embodiment, the energy sources are incorporated within a stereotactic microscope. Either embodiment may be mounted on an articulated robotic type arm.

Abstract: An optimized dose delivery system using computer graphics simulation techniques and computerized numerical optimization. A volume, such as a tumor volume, is graphically simulated and meshed with node points. The dose delivery is calculated depending upon input variables, deriving an objective function related to dose efficacy. A numerical optimization algorithm optimizes the input variables based upon such objective function.

Abstract: An optimized dose delivery system using computer graphics simulation techniques and computerized numerical optimization. A volume, such as a tumor volume, is graphically simulated and meshed with node points. The dose delivery is calculated depending upon input variables, deriving an objective function related to dose efficacy. A numerical optimization algorithm optimizes the input variables based upon such objective function.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for determining, in three dimensions, the location, size, depth and width of tumors, lesions, abnormalities, structures, and the like, particularly useful for stereotactic surgery. The invention utilizes several beams which, when they intersect, allow for such measurements and calculations. The beam sources attach to a stereotactic frame.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for determining, in three dimensions, the location, size, depth and width of tumors, lesions, abnormalities, structures, and the like, particularly useful for stereotactic surgery. The invention utilizes several light beams which, when they intersect, allow for such measurements and calculations. In one embodiment, the light sources attach to a stereotactic frame. In an alternative embodiment, the light sources are incorporated within a stereotactic microscope.

Abstract: An electrical cord retainer apparatus adapted for securing the interconnection of two or more electrical cords is disclosed. The retainer includes a flexible housing fitted with a longitudinally non-stretchable retainer strip. The housing is adapted to be encased about a connection of electrical power cords and to provide a high coefficient of friction fit between the interior of the housing and the elecrical cord plugs sufficient to retain those plugs in intercooperation notwithstanding the application of forces to the cords at a distant location. The housing is fitted with a connection structure such as a zipper which is adapted to close the housing about the structure of electrical cord for purposes of creating this friction union.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of scanning images in a video presentation. The disclosure is particularly directed to the use of such an apparatus and method in stereotactic surgery, wherein acquisition of a plurality of scanner images, conversion of these images into a selected standard format, storage of the acquired and converted images, selective recall and display of at least two of the images, and independent manipulation of each of the images for comparision are provided. Probe placement can be simulated and the images can be enhanced in various ways. The images used can be, for example, CT, PET, X-ray, DSA, isotope, and NMR scans. Brain map atlas images can be superimposed on and fitted to the scan images of a particular brain. Video displays of three dimensional simulations can also be produced.

Abstract: A protective device for the trigger guard of a gun having a first plate member, a second plate member pivotally connected to the first plate member, and a spring extending between the first plate member and the second plate member. The spring serves to resist the separation of the first and second plate members until a desired amount of compressive force is exerted on the first and second plate members. This protective device has a block member rotatably connected to an arm of the first plate member. This block is movable between a first position parallel to the first arm and a second position perpendicular to the arm. The first plate member has a plurality of projections that extend perpendicularly outwardly therefrom in the area between the first plate member and the second plate member. The block member has a spring connected thereto for urging the block member in a position outward from to the first plate member.

Abstract: A protective device for the trigger guard of a gun comprising a first plate member, a second plate member, a first arm connected to the first plate member, a second arm connected to the second plate member, and a spring arranged between the first arm and the second arm for resisting at least twenty-five pounds of compressive force exerted on the first and second arms. The first and second plate members having a surface area greater than the area of the trigger guard. At least one pin is affixed to one of the first and second plate members so as to extend between the first and second plate members. Each of the first and second plate members has a horizontal slot and an intersecting vertical slot for selectively positioning a plurality of pins between the first and second plate members. The compression spring is a tensioned steel strut of arcuate form extending between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: In an electrolytic method for removing metal from solution, a "plating" voltage applied to the electrodes is reduced to a lower, "standby" value if the current drawn by the solution falls below a threshold value. This "standby" voltage, however, is periodically restored to its higher, "plating" value for brief intervals so that the current at the higher voltage can periodically be sampled. If it is found that the current drawn by the solution at the higher voltage is once again above the threshold value (indicating that new metal has been added to the solution), the electrode voltage is kept at the higher level until the solution is again depleted of metal to the point that the current drops below the threshold. If, during the brief sampling interval, the current is still below the threshold, the electrode voltage is returned to its lower, "standby" value and another current sample is taken at the next interval.

Abstract: A current limited strobe charging circuit in which the charging current is automatically limited during the time required to reform the primary storage capacitor after a long period of non-use without materially effecting the current flow and time required to subsequently recharge the storage capacitor after it has been reformed includes a positive temperature coefficient resistor serially connected therewith to switch from a low resistance mode of operation to a high resistance mode of operation as a result of its own internally generated I.sup.2 R heat.

Abstract: A process for making cookies intended to simulate typical drop cookies from a plurality of laminated doughs, wherein the appearance and quality of the cookies is desirably improved by rolling the cut laminate preforms prior to baking to prevent any formation of thin, crisp edges upon baking, and to control the visibility of morsels such as flavored chips.

Abstract: A wingless aircraft having a power channel with two parallel ducts afixed to the top of the fuselage. A jet engine or other drive mechanism is positioned within each duct. No air flow is permitted between any part of the lower surface of the power channel and the fuselage. Each duct contains a number of variable-pitch airfoils that are independently adjustable. This independence of adjustment between variable-pitch airfoils within a single duct and the ability to adjust the variable-pitch airfoils in one duct as a group independently of those in another duct provides horizontal stability and compensates for undesired yawing. The lift is controlled to somewhat by adjustment of the variable-pitch airfoils and the angle of attack, and to an even greater extent in cooperation with adjustable auxiliary wing panels mounted above openings in the upper surface of each duct above one of the variable-pitch airfoils. The auxiliary wing panels nest in openings above the airfoils when not in use.

Abstract: A cinematographic system including a programmable viewing apparatus by which an exposed photographic film strip in a multipurpose cassette may be processed, viewed by projection, and rewound, either entirely or for a selected film length for replay, without removal from the viewing apparatus. A control circuit is provided which continuously measures the position of the film strip in the cassette and precludes projection of the leading end of the film strip in response to signals received from the electronic logic system of the viewing apparatus. The signals condition the circuit to count in either the forward or reverse direction depending upon the direction of film strip movement. The count, which corresponds to the position of the film strip, is continuously displayed by the viewing apparatus. When the count is at or below a predetermined number corresponding to the length of the leading portion, the circuit will prevent the projection lamp from turning on during a project cycle.

Abstract: An electrical regulator for operating a photographic illuminating lamp provides two controls on the triggering of a phase-controlled power switch. One control employs a differential switch in a feed-forward loop that adjusts the potential at which a timing capacitor triggers the power switch. The other control is a feedback loop which controls the rate at which the timing capacitor is charged. The regulator combines the feed-forward and feedback controls to regulate the mean square of the lamp voltage for a wide range of input voltage amplitudes and frequency.

Abstract: Method of protecting plants from both fungal organisms and mites in the same treatment in which there is applied to the plant an amount of one or more of selected tricyclopentyl tin and tris(cyclopentylmethyl)tin compounds, which amount is sufficient to provide both antifungal and miticidal protection but is less than a substantially harmful phytotoxic amount. Counter ions in these compounds which are suitable include hydroxy, halo, oxo, thioxo, alkyl- and aryl carboxylate, thiocyanato, diloweralkyldithiocarbamoyl and diethoxyphosphinothioylthio.