Abstract: A personnel emergency carrier vehicle is disclosed which includes a vehicle frame (10) supported on steerable front wheels (20, 22) and driven rear wheels (36, 38). A supply (78) of breathing air is connected to quick connect face mask couplings (112, 114) and umbilical cord couplings (116, 118) for supplying breathing air to an injured worker or attendant either with or without a self-contained atomspheric protection suit for protection against hazardous gases at an accident site. A non-sparking hydraulic motor (90) is utilized to drive the vehicle and suitable direction (134) and throttling controls (138, 134) are provided for controlling the delivery of a hydraulic driving fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid accumulator (100). A steering axis (80) is steerable through a handle (82) to steer the front wheels (20, 22) through a linkage assembly (84, 28, 30).

Abstract: A coupling for use in an apparatus for connecting a prosthesis to the bone of a stump of an amputated limb which permits a bio-compatible carbon sleeve forming a part of the prosthesis connector to float so as to prevent disturbing the skin seal around the carbon sleeve. The coupling includes a flexible member interposed between a socket that is inserted within an intermedullary cavity of the bone and the sleeve. A lock pin is carried by the prosthesis and has a stem portion which is adapted to be coaxially disposed and slideably within the tubular female socket for securing the prosthesis to the stump. The skin around the percutaneous carbon sleeve is able to move as a result of the flexing coupling so as to reduce stresses caused by changes in the stump shape and/or movement between the bone and the flesh portion of the stump.

Abstract: Illumination control apparatus for supplementing light from solar radiation with light from an artificial light source to compensate for periods of insufficient levels of solar light to maintain a desired illumination level within an interior space comprising an artificial light source connected to an electrical power source with switch means for selectively energizing said light source, actuator means for controlling the on-off operation of the switch means, a light sensor connected to the actuator means for controlling the actuator means in response to the illumination level of the interior space, and a limit switch carried adjacent the actuator for limiting the movement of the actuator within a predetermined range so as to prevent further movement thereof during detection of erroneous illumination conditions.

Abstract: An ocean thermal plant consisting of a floating energy converter utilizing large volumes of sea water to produce electrical power. In this plant, a fluid working medium is pumped to an evaporator where it is heated by a flow of warm surface sea water. The fluid in liquid form boils to a pressurized gas vapor which is routed to drive a turbine that, in turn, drives a generator for producing electricity. The gas vapor then enters a condenser immersed in cold sea water pumped from lower depths. The gas vapor condenses to its original liquid form and is then pumped to the evaporator to repeat the cycle. Modular components can be readily interchanged on the ocean thermal unit and inlet pipes for the sea water are provided with means for maintaining the pipes in alignment with the oncoming current. The modular construction allows for the testing of various components to provide a more rapid optimization of a standardized plant.

Abstract: A rotational joint assembly for a prosthetic leg which enables an artificial foot to rotate slightly when a person is walking, running or turning. The prosthetic leg includes upper and lower tubular members with the rotational joint assembly interposed therebetween. The rotational joint assembly includes a restrainer mechanism which consists of a pivotably mounted paddle element engaging a resilient device for applying a limiting force to control the rotation of the foot and also restoring torque to return the foot back to its initial position.

Abstract: A biomedical percutaneous connector for providing electrical connection between electrical conductors carried externally of a patient's body and electrical conductors implanted within the body of the patient. The connector includes a socket having an enlarged disk shaped base portion for being implanted below the patient's skin. A cylindrical portion is integral with the base portion and extends outwardly of the skin. A conical recess is provided in an upper end of the cylindrical portion and has a magnet located in the base thereof. Inclined conductive strips are carried on an upper end of the cylindrical portion adjacent the conical recess to which electrical conductors are attached and extend into the patient's body. A complementary shaped plug which also has electrical contacts provided thereon is adapted to fit within the conical recess of the socket. Guide grooves and protrusions are provided on the socket and plug for aiding in positioning the plug relative to the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a prosthesis to a bone of a stump of an amputated limb such as the arm or leg of a person. The apparatus includes a tubular female socket adapted to be inserted within an intermedullary cavity of the bone. The tubular socket has an open lower end with a sleeve of bio-compatible material permitting access through the skin of the amputee's stump. The prosthesis has a contoured support for receiving the stump of the amputee. A quick disconnecting lock pin is carried adjacent the center of the contoured support. The lock pin is adapted to be received within the female socket for securing the prosthesis to the tubular female socket carried within the bone. The mounting for the lock pin is adjustable so that the degree of support provided through the bone as compared to the degree of support provided through the flesh of the stump engaging the wall of the prosthesis can be varied.