Abstract: A breathing system includes a container to store a gas under pressure, wherein the gas includes air or oxygen. The container includes an outlet through which the gas exits the container. The breathing system further includes a generator system including a generator in operative connection with the container outlet such that energy is supplied to the generator by the pressurized gas. The generator converts the energy supplied by the pressurized gas to electrical energy. The system further includes a fluid path in connection with the generator through which pressurized gas passes after providing energy to the generator and a respiration facepiece in fluid connection with the fluid path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning rolls, wherein a first structure, for being associated with a first roll, and a second structure, for being associated with a second roll are provided. A laser is associated with one of the two structures and a target is associated with the other of the two structures. The two structures, the laser and the target are adapted to indicate whether the two rolls exhibit an aligned condition with respect to one another. Also contemplated is a calibration unit for calibrating an alignment device, wherein the unit itself includes two model rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing an adhesively bonded ceramic orthodontic bracket from a tooth to which it is secured includes a body portion which has a handle and a head portion. Bracket engaging jaws are disposed within the head portion. The jaws may be opened and closed to engage and disengage the bracket. A laser generator creates a laser beam which passes through a guide tube and through a discharge end of the guide tube which is positioned in spaced relationship with respect to the bracket. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A support member extending outwardly from the surface of a bearing overlies a rotatable shaft supported by the bearing. The support member is spaced a preselected distance from the shaft, and a plurality of sensors for detecting displacement of the shaft extend from the support member toward the shaft. Each sensor is positioned on the support member a preselected distance from the surface of the bearing. A probe extends from each sensor to a fixed distance from the shaft. Control means are electrically connected to each sensor and receive signals proportional to the shaft dynamic displacement therefrom. In response to shaft displacement the sensors generate displacement signals which are converted by the control means to a readout representative of the dynamic force applied by the shaft to the bearing.

Abstract: An acoustical insulating material comprises a fiber reinforced lead composite sheet or panel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fibers are substantially axially parallel aligned with one another. The frequency absorption and transmission characteristics of the material may be varied by mechanically stressing the material, e.g. as by placing the material under tension in the direction of fiber orientation.

Abstract: A suspension element for suspending a load and absorbing energy if the load is increased suddenly above a predetermined minimum includes a normally rigid ring that is permanently deformable under an applied load above said minimum. Diametrically opposite areas of the ring are connected to a support and a load, but the opposite sides of the ring between those areas are free of the connecting means and subject to being pulled toward each other if the load suspended by the ring suddenly increases beyond the predetermined miminum and elongates the ring in the direction of the movement of the load. The energy required to thus deform the ring is absorbed by the ring.