Abstract: A tapered flexible conduit and a ventilation system incorporating the same. The conduit is arranged to extend between a register and a fan assembly, such as in a whole house fan (WHF) system. The conduit includes a flexible inner liner surrounded by a flexible outer liner. The flexible inner liner has a length of helically formed wire coupled to a flexible membrane. The flexible outer liner includes an insulative layer to provide acoustic baffling for an airflow established by the fan assembly passing through the conduit. The tapered conduit has a frusto-conical shape along an overall length of the conduit to sealingly engage differently sized inlet and exhaust ports of the register and the fan assembly, respectively. The collapsible nature of the respective inner and outer liners reduces bulk during shipment and accommodates a variety of different configurations during installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for ventilating a building structure, such as a residence. In some embodiments, a ventilation system includes a damper assembly which extends through an interior substrate (e.g., an interior wall) of the structure and an exhaust assembly which extends through an exterior substrate (e.g., an exterior wall of the structure and which is in communication with the damper assembly via a control circuit. The interior wall separates a conditioned space and an unconditioned space. The exhaust assembly is initially activated to vent exhaust air from the unconditioned space while a door of the damper assembly remains closed. The door is subsequently opened responsive to a measured environmental parameter, such as a differential pressure between the conditioned and unconditioned spaces, to generate a combined airflow that passes from the conditioned space to the unconditioned space and then to the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventilating an interior space, such as a large industrial structure with at least one bay opening. A ventilation system includes an array of M by N fans stacked into a two dimensional (2D) array. A rigid frame supports the array. A seal assembly provides a nominally fluid-tight seal between an outer perimeter of the array and the bay opening. A locking assembly mechanically couples the frame to the bay opening. In some cases, a bay door can be partially retracted and attached to a top of the frame. In other cases, the bay door may be fluidically permeable (e.g., a chain, a screen, etc.) and the array is secured behind a fully closed door. Cooling air is directed out the bay opening at a suitable time, such as overnight. A soft-start motor capability can be used to initiate operation of the array.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventilating an interior space, such as a large industrial structure with at least one bay opening. A ventilation system includes an array of M by N fans stacked into a two dimensional (2D) array. A rigid frame supports the array. A seal assembly provides a nominally fluid-tight seal between an outer perimeter of the array and the bay opening. A locking assembly mechanically couples the frame to the bay opening. In some cases, a bay door can be partially retracted and attached to a top of the frame. In other cases, the bay door may be fluidically permeable (e.g., a chain, a screen, etc.) and the array is secured behind a fully closed door. Cooling air is directed out the bay opening at a suitable time, such as overnight. A soft-start motor capability can be used to initiate operation of the array.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for ventilating a building structure, such as a residence. In some embodiments, a ventilation system includes a damper assembly which extends through an interior substrate (e.g., an interior wall) of the structure and an exhaust assembly which extends through an exterior substrate (e.g., an exterior wall of the structure and which is in communication with the damper assembly via a control circuit. The interior wall separates a conditioned space and an unconditioned space. The exhaust assembly is initially activated to vent exhaust air from the unconditioned space while a door of the damper assembly remains closed. The door is subsequently opened responsive to a measured environmental parameter, such as a differential pressure between the conditioned and unconditioned spaces, to generate a combined airflow that passes from the conditioned space to the unconditioned space and then to the exterior of the structure.

Abstract: A tapered flexible conduit and a ventilation system incorporating the same. The conduit is arranged to extend between a register and a fan assembly, such as in a whole house fan (WHF) system. The conduit includes a flexible inner liner surrounded by a flexible outer liner. The flexible inner liner has a length of helically formed wire coupled to a flexible membrane. The flexible outer liner includes an insulative layer to provide acoustic baffling for an airflow established by the fan assembly passing through the conduit. The tapered conduit has a frusto-conical shape along an overall length of the conduit to sealingly engage differently sized inlet and exhaust ports of the register and the fan assembly, respectively. The collapsible nature of the respective inner and outer liners reduces bulk during shipment and accommodates a variety of different configurations during installation.

Abstract: A heel treatment device and method, which consists primarily of a shaped area dimensioned to conform to the shape of a human heel and a strap portion dimensioned to be positioned over the top portion of the foot. A topical application for treatment of a condition of a human heel is positioned on the heel or on the interior of the shaped portion, and the device is placed on the foot of the wearer. Preferably, an applicator is also positioned in the interior portion of the shaped area. It is further preferred that the strap portion consist of two straps adapted to be releasably coupled together by the positioning of hook and loop material on end portions thereof.

Abstract: A heat fused porcelain inlay formed directly in a cavity in a patient's mouth and method for making same comprising a mixture of a porcelain and a binding agent, preferably a resin. The mixture is placed in the cavity and cured therein. The cured mixture is placed in an oven to heat fuse the porcelain and burn off at least a portion of the binding agent resulting in a ceramic core. Corrective layers of the mixture may be added to the ceramic core with subsequent curing and heat-fusing. One embodiment comprises disposing a framework in the mixture prior to curing. A kit comprising a supply of porcelain and binding agent for use in making dental inlays.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a removable die within a stone cast of a dental arch is presented. The die is attached to one end of a curved dowel pin which in turn slides into a curved channel in the base of the stone cast. The unique curved path of insertion and removal allow the die to be repositioned accurately and held securely with a single dowel.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for practicing the method in which data may be uniquely recorded concerning the gait of a patient undergoing diagnosis and/or treatment in connection with podiatric matters. The method includes a special video recording and sound recording of the movement and effects of movement of the patient under consideration upon a treadmill under controlled conditions. The apparatus of the invention includes special mounting of video and sound recording apparatus in proximity to a visual observer and the patient with appropriate supporting framework adjustably controlling mounting and utilization of the treadmill in concert with the recording apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is an orthopedic shoe particularly characterized by special configuration, both on the portion of the shoe which is in contact with the foot and the portion which is in contact with the surface to be walked upon. It is particularly characterized by special openings with various types of removable closures to the openings to accommodate unusual problems and by removable build-up layers for foot contact. It is further characterized by rigidity and a "rocker" configuration with a fully adjustable and removable upper fastening member.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for collecting atmospheric samples, particularly air samples, comprises a sealed first container filled with liquid such as water, a sealed second container positioned below the first container, a vent in the first container which allows the atmosphere surrounding the apparatus to enter the first container at a controlled rate, and a vent from the second container for dispersing the atmosphere contained within the second container into the surrounding atmosphere at a controlled rate. A flow channel between the first and second containers allows the liquid in the first container to pass into the second container. Passage of the liquid from the first container to the second container creates a vacuum in the first container whereby a stream of air from the surrounding atmosphere is drawn at a controlled rate through the first container vent and into the first container where it is retained. Samples may be withdrawn from the first container through the use of a hypodermic syringe.