Abstract: A rotary disc valve is disclosed which generally includes a housing having an inlet side and an outlet side, and a disc rotatably mounted within the housing between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof. The disc includes an outlet bore which is generally aligned with the axis of rotation of the disc and extends from the outlet face of the disc partially through the disc. One or more inlet bores spaced radially outwardly from the axis of rotation of the disc extend from the inlet face of the disc partially through the disc and communicate with the outlet bore. The inlet bore or bores are located such that a bore may be selectively brought into communication with a single one of inlet side passages by rotating the disc until the bore is aligned with the desired passage. Since the outlet bore and an outlet passage are aligned along the center of rotation of the disc, the outlet bore stays in constant communication with the outlet passage in the outlet side of the housing as the disc is rotated.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for applications such as resistance exercise equipment, cable reels, garage doors and other equipment requiring a resistive force. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord. The mechanism includes a preload system for applying a preload force to the resistance packs and a visual indicator for indicating the level of the preload force.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for resistance exercise equipment. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord.A preload mechanism which allows an initial preload resistance to be set includes a large gear connected with the stack of resistance packs and a smaller gear meshing with the large gear. A pivotal pawl urged against the teeth of the large gear allows the gear to turn in a direction to initially deform the spokes to preset the initial resistance level.

Abstract: A hand tool having a frame which holds interchangeable working heads for scraping ice and other materials, scrubbing and sanding. The frame pivotally carries the working head at one end and has a curved forearm brace at the other end. A hand grip bar is located between the ends of the frame such that the forearm provides force against the brace to hold the working head against the work surface. This creates a leverage effect and relieves stress on the wrist. The pivotal head allows angled or contoured surfaces to be followed without requiring the wrist to flex at different angles. The scraping head has two scraping edges which scrape on both push and pull strokes. An accessory head which is interchangeable with the ice scraping head can hold two metal scraping blades or interchangeable base plates which provide a sanding sheet and a scrubbing pad, respectively.

Abstract: A blood collection system comprising a needle assembly, an evacuated collection tube and a holder for said tube. A housing at the end of said holder receives an adaptor therein. A conventional cannula assembly is threaded into the adaptor such that the rear cannula end extends into the collection tube with the front cannula end extending forwardly for venipuncture. A locking assembly traversing the housing includes first and second slide locks with apertures therein. The slide locks have a first biased position in which portions of the adaptor are engaged by the rims of the apertures to hold the cannula within the housing. Upon user manipulation of the locks, the slide locks are moved to disengage the rims from the adaptor. The latter movement causes release of the adaptor with cannula assembly from the housing allowing for cannula disposal subsequent to use without user handling.

Abstract: A hand held reciprocating belt massager driven by an electric motor to massage sore muscles. The opposite ends of the belt are equipped with handles, one of which houses the motor and a drive train that reciprocates the belt longitudinally when the motor is in operation. The other hand grip connects flexibly with the belt through a resilient elastomer bar that accommodates the belt reciprocation. A detachable thermal pack is applicable to the belt to provide heating in conjunction with the massaging action of the belt.