Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a sleeve which includes a cylindrical construction having a first and second end portions and an outside diameter. The fastener assembly further includes a washer associated with the sleeve wherein the washer includes a body which defines a first side and an opposing second side and defines an opening which extends from the first side toward the second side. The opening defines a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve and the body defines a recess which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening wherein the recess extends from the second side toward the first side such that the recess and the opening are in communication with one another. A method for using this fastener assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a sleeve which includes a cylindrical construction having a first and second end portions and an outside diameter. The fastener assembly further includes a washer associated with the sleeve wherein the washer includes a body which defines a first side and an opposing second side and defines an opening which extends from the first side toward the second side. The opening defines a diameter greater than the outside diameter of the sleeve and the body defines a recess which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening wherein the recess extends from the second side toward the first side such that the recess and the opening are in communication with one another. A method for using this fastener assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.

Abstract: An improved snore-preventing device having a mouthpiece insertable into a user's mouth and having an upwardly-facing trough member and a downwardly-facing trough member secured together by a plurality of spacer members in a manner to ensure proper positioning of the user's jaws and having a quantity of thermo-setting resin contained in each of said troughs to fit said mouthpiece to an individual user.

Abstract: In a writing instrument including an ink reservoir and an air hole, the air hole is spanned by a barrier formed as a porous non-absorbent ink repellent membrane of substantially uniform pore size. The barrier is non-porously sealed, for example by direct heating or ultrasonic welding, along its entire periphery to the wall of the air hole, the barrier allowing air to pass freely therethrough in both directions, but preventing escape of ink therethrough and therearound. The barrier is preferably formed of polytetrafluoroethylene with a pore radius of not more than 10 .mu.m and a thickness of not more than 200 .mu.m. The ink for use in the writing instrument preferably has a surface tension of not less than 30 mN m.sup.-1, a viscosity of not more than 10 cp and a wetting angle with the barrier of not less than 100.degree..

Abstract: A mechanical knee converts the weight of the wearer to a knee extensor force. A rotatable pulley is supported by the lower leg, and a collar which is attached to the upper leg is connected to the pulley by a link. The link is eccentrically connected to the pulley, and when the user applies weight to the collar, the link rotates the pulley. The extensor force is applied to the collar and the upper leg by a bar which is attached to the leg and which is slidably connected to the pulley by a sleeve.

Abstract: A prosthetic patello femoral joint includes a patellar and a femoral component designed to replace the articular surfaces of this joint in normal relationship with each other and with the patella and femur thus preserving the normal bio-mechanics of the joint. The patellar component is adapted to be secured to the remaining portion of the patella after resection of sufficient patella to permit the prosthetic surface for articulation to assume a relatively normal position in relationship to the remaining patella. The femoral component is adapted to be secured within a resection of the femur of sufficient width and depth to permit its insertion with its articulating surface as a replacement for the diseased surface in normal relationship with the remainder of the femur. The patellar component includes a slightly convex surface much smaller than but conforming to the concavity of the femoral conponent for the purpose of distributing the compressive forces evenly.

Abstract: A device for applying a stocking to a foot comprises a pair of generally U-shaped clamping members through which the foot can be inserted. One of the clamping members is attached to an elongated rod and the other clamping member is attached to an elongated tube which telescopingly receives the rod. A rolled-up stocking is clamped between the clamping members, and the clamping pressure is controlled by a handle which is attached to the ends of the rod and tube. As the foot is inserted through the clamping members, the stocking unrolls onto the foot and leg.