Abstract: A method of constructing a wheelchair that is durable, lightweight, economical and fully adaptable to any end user's requirements, such as sizing, convertibility, environment and lifestyle, and the resulting wheelchair, is disclosed, made possible by the utilization of specially designed weld-free connector fittings with any desirable or available tubular materials.

Abstract: A failsafe weld-free method of joining tubular elements provides for connecting a first tubular element to a second tubular element. The assembly includes an insert, with screw threads, inside of the first tube, a connector fitting for mounting to the insert within the first tube by a screw, a second tube is secured to the connector fitting with a fastener through a transverse hole through both the second tube and the connector fitting. When the connector fitting is assembled to the first tubular section and the connecting screw is tightened, a structurally rigid connection is achieved. The second tubular section is positioned over the stepped outside diameter of the connector fitting, aligning the transverse holes. A fastener is installed through the transverse hole. The fastener that secures the connector fitting to the second tubular section is positioned to not allow the screw fastening the connector fitting to the first tubular section to disengage or loosen.

Abstract: A document processing system for performing multiple document processing tasks while the documents travel in a straight line document path is provided. The document processing system may include a transport system for transporting the documents in a straight line path, a sensing system for sensing the presence of the document, an optical system for projecting the image of the document, a camera module for receiving the projected image and storing it onto film, a film marking system for placing blips on the film adjacent the document image, a film numbering system for placing alphanumeric characters on the film adjacent the document image, an endorsing system for placing a printed endorsement on one side of the document, an electro-optical scanning system for scanning the image of the document processing the signal into a bit mapped image or for use with external communications devices, scanning for bar code symbology, and imprinting characters on the documents.

Abstract: A wheelchair assembly which can be quickly and inexpensively assembled and disassembled is described which is formed of tubular members which are secured only with clamping members to produce a rigid frame wheelchair. No welds are utilized, the clamps being formed of molded composite material, such as a carbon fiber-filled polyamide. Each clamp is formed of complimentary shells formed with semi-cylindrical regions dimensioned to receive, between two mating complimentary members, cross tubes to be secured in pressure fit relationship.

Abstract: A special angle beam probe for ultrasonic testing includes at least one ultrasonic vibrator fastened in a beam probe housing on a wedge-shaped support body which may be formed of Plexiglass, using damping means. The ultrasonic beam of the vibrator strikes the surface of the test piece at an incidence angle other than 0.degree., as measured from a perpendicular at the surface of the test piece at the point where the beam strikes. The ultrasonic beam furthermore strikes the test piece surface at an oblique angle between 0.degree. and 360.degree. subtended between a principal beam probe axis and the beam, as seen in the direction perpendicular to the beam probe from above. The novelty of the invention is that the special angle beam probe includes a multiplicity of prefabricated beam probe subassemblies. The ultrasonic vibrator of each subassembly is fastened with a predetermined incidence angle within a first beam probe housing.

Abstract: An improved technique for recording by means of head-mounted stereophonic microphones is described. The microphones are disposed for detecting waves from a sound source at a reference location within the ears of the listener corresponding to a position slightly in front of the ear canal at which reproduction of sound via earphones is optimum. The long-term storage effects provided by the brain of the person doing the recording are reproduced on the recording to provide a high degree of realism.