Abstract: A portable elastomeric bladder-powered infusor for dispensing drug in liquid form under pressure at a predetermined flow rate is disclosed. The main elements of the infusor are a tubular housing, a plug/flow control assembly fixed in one end of the bladder, an axially slidable piston/filling port assembly within the housing, and a tubular bladder. The plug and piston assemblies each has an axial post about which the bladder ends are attached. When the bladder is not charged with drug, the posts fill the bladder's lumen and their ends abut. Drug is charged to the infusor by inserting a drug-filled syringe into the open end of the housing with the syringe's needle entering an axial bore in the piston, penetrating a septum that blocks the bore, and extending into the axial post. The force exerted on the piston by the syringe is transmitted to the fixed plug assembly via the axial posts. Drug is plunged from the syringe causing the posts to separate and the bladder to expand axially and radially.

Abstract: A percutaneous vascular access portal for implantation in a patient for an extended period of time including a cannula having a skirt at its distal end for attaching to the wall of a blood vessel and a flange at the other end to be located near the patient's skin surface and to provide a stop for catheters that are inserted therein and accurately locate their distal ends and openings in the blood vessel. The portal is provided with an obturator to block flow through the cannula when the portal is not being used, the obturator fitting snugly and sealably within the cannula and allowing for no dead space within the cannula in which blood could stagnate.

Abstract: A liquid infusion catheter assembly comprises a hub and a first hollow catheter connected at its proximal end, and being in fluid communication with, the hub. This catheter has at least one fluid outlet opening. A second hollow catheter, extending from, but being out of fluid communication with, the hub surrounds the first catheter with a space therebetween. This second catheter extends distally farther than the first catheter and has at least one hole through its surface where it surrounds the first catheter, and has a fluid outlet opening in the portion extending beyond the first catheter.

Abstract: A syringe is disclosed for vaginal douche, swab, or like applications. A flexible fluid container has an elongated tubular discharge nozzle molded integrally therewith as an extension of one end of the container, and at least the juncture of the nozzle and the container is flexible to facilitate bending and folding of the nozzle to a position alongside the container. An elongated slot is formed on the side of the container for receiving the nozzle when in its folded position substantially within the outer confines of the container. Detent protrusions along opposite edges of the slot releasably retain the nozzle in its folded position within the slot. The entire foldable nozzle syringe is formed as an integral molded and prefilled construction, and an integral frangible cap is provided on the distal end of the nozzle, the latter being threaded for attachable association with a douche, swab or other attachment.

Abstract: An applicator for a member having a surface, such as a tampon, includes a flexible applicator along the surface with the applicator having a convolution so as to double the applicator upon itself to form parallel walls with the convolution there between. The surface of the member may be exposed by relative movement of one of the walls of the applicator with respect to the member.

Abstract: A tampon and drug delivery device is disclosed and includes a generally cylindrical inserter tube defining a cartridge within which a tampon is slidably received for ejection through one end of the cartridge. A generally hollow cylindrical plunger member is slidably received within an opposite end of the cartridge for ejecting the tampon therefrom. A capsule of disintegrable material is partially embedded in and movably held by the tampon for delivery into a vaginal cavity, or the like, by ejection from the cartridge. The cartridge has a plurality of slots to permit prewetting of the tampon prior to insertion into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A filter is provided for a colostomy or ileostomy bag. The filter has a first layer of material which is gas permeable and water impermeable and forms the gas inlet side of the filter, a second layer of material which is gas permeable or is rendered gas permeable by the presence of at least one aperture therethrough. A layer of carbon cloth is sandwiched between the first and second layers, the first and second layers being secured to the carbon cloth by a weld which extends through the periphery of the carbon cloth.

Abstract: A tampon having a pledget consisting of two rectangular layers of absorbent material which have been overlaid along an edge of each of the layers and then folded along a line bisecting the angle formed by the juncture between the layers. The pledget thus produced has both inner and outer absorptive layers and a containment pocket formed of absorptive material in the fold area.

Abstract: A flexible non-disintegrative absorbent product comprising a water-insoluble substantially non-swelling matrix of an elastomeric polymer bearing a uniformly dispersed particulate water-insoluble water-swellable organic polymer absorbent. Certain compositions and processes for their preparation as well as articles prepared from the products are described.

Abstract: A fixed high frequency oscillator, variable frequency divider, and low frequency timer are provided to produce a high frequency output pulse group which is terminated at different intervals by both the variable frequency divider and the timer. The characteristics of the frequency divider may be varied to produce a number of modes of generator operation, all of which utilize a single high frequency output. The generator includes circuitry for producing a voltage spike as one of the pulses of each output group with a ratio of peak power to RMS power of at least 10:1 in the cut command group and at least 19:1 in the coagulate command group. The spike reionizes the current path through tissue without excessive tissue destruction due to wasted power. A pair of opto-isolated hand-held switches allow the user to select continuously between two preset modes of operation without risking shock.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter is provided with a balloon element which is invertable, evertable, and inflatable in its everted condition. The catheter is provided with relatively movable members akin to cylinder and piston elements including a port which may be selectively closed off to prevent contrast injection material from being introduced into the blood vessel being treated and opened up for the introduction of contrast injection material into the blood vessel.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment comprises a pulse generator which is controlled by means of a parent frequency generator with a prescribable parent frequency, and a control circuit with setting generator for setting desired pulse repetition rates of the pulse generator for the heart pacemaker pulses as a function of the setting value of the setting generator. The purpose of the disclosure is to develop such a heart pacemaker with simple technical means to such end that a preselection of the pulse repetition rate of the heart pacemaker is possible directly in pulse per minute. This goal is inventively achieved in that the parent frequency signal (f.sub.o) of the parent frequency generator is supplied to a binary frequency multiplier together with a binary multiplication signal (n) of a multiplication signal generator which is adjustable as a function of a pulse per minute setting value (F) of a pulse per minute setting generator, said binary frequency multiplier converting the parent frequency (f.sub.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for optimizing placement of cardiac electrodes and for improved signal processing. In particular, an arrangement is provided for electrode placement and signal processing to obtain 90% of the information obtained by a 12 electrode electrocardiagram by using an optimun four lead arrangement. Further, this arrangement has additional advantages including convenient access by a user, reduction in muscular artifacts, and other advantages.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a probe for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave and an amplitude-detecting circuit, and in operation transmits an ultrasonic wave into an organism while the organism is scanned by the probe and amplitude-detects a received signal reflected from the inside of the organism, thereby to obtain a tomographic image of the organism. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a phase detecting circuit and an ultrasonic drive circuit. The ultrasonic drive circuit alternately supplies to the probe a first drive signal for obtaining tomographic image information and a second drive signal for obtaining blood flow information, scans in a direction of the ultrasonic wave transmission according to the first drive signal and sets the ultrasonic wave transmitting direction according to the second drive signal to a desired direction for obtaining blood flow information.

Abstract: The present invention features essentially only two relatively movable components, of which an outer sheath provides a forwardly curved path, a flexible mouth and a forwardly extending reference foot, and an inner flexible shaft has a forward element, which serves to open the mouth and to collect a mucus specimen when the flexible shaft moves forwardly and which serves to protect the mucus specimen and to close the mouth when the flexible shaft moves rearwardly.A probe is provided for inserting a test element into the vaginal cavity while shielding it from intermediate vaginal contact, for positioning the test element precisely in contact with the cervical os in order to collect a specimen of cervical material therefrom, and for retrieving the test element and the specimen from the vaginal cavity while shielding them from intermediate vaginal contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing intact kernels of corn from the cob is described. The apparatus of the invention includes a frame with friction means attached thereto for removing whole, intact kernels of corn from the cob. Also attached to the frame are means for driving the friction means and means for maintaining the friction coefficient of the friction means.In the apparatus of the invention an ear of corn is contacted with the driven friction means so that the frictional force pushes the kernels at or near the natural abscission layer to detach the kernels intact. The means for maintaining the friction coefficient of the friction means maintains the friction coefficient at a level sufficient to detach intact kernels and preferably at a level which maximizes the efficiency of kernel detachment.

Abstract: A lighter for pipes and the like has a case thereof formed with a deep indentation extending upwardly from the bottom in spaced relation to one vertical side to form an integral pipe tamper structure and an insert containing wadding or the like for absorbing lighter fluid has a lower cut out portion encompassing the tamper structure and case indentation for slidable disposition in the case.

Abstract: Flavorant composition for tobacco may be produced by heating certain synthesized inorganic ion-exchangeable compound containing zirconium or titanium metal together with tobacco flavorant in organic solvent to adsorb the flavorant to the exchanger. This flavorant composition may be applied advantageously to filter cigarette so as to be added to the portion of filter tip in the form of triple-filter or dual-filter. The flavorant in the flavorant composition having been added to filter tip scarcely volatilizes when it has only been left as it is, however such flavorant may be released readily from the composition by wet smoke passing through the filter tip when smoked, whereby aroma and taste of the flavorant may effectively be produced. The amount of tobacco flavorant capable of producing moderate aroma and taste is far lesser than that of flavorant that has customarily been added to the portion of blended cut tobacco.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco and non-tobacco smoking compositions which contain a pyrazine-containing polyheterocyclic compound as a flavorant additive.In one embodiment, this invention provides tobacco compositions which contain a polyheterocyclic flavorant additive such as 1,2-bis(3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyrazyl)ethane: ##STR1## Under smoking conditions the above illustrated polyheterocyclic additive flavors the mainstream and sidestream smoke.In another embodiment, this invention provides foodstuffs which contain a polyheterocyclic flavorant additive such as 1-(3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyrazyl)-2-(2-pyridyl)ethane.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining a permanent wave upon hair growth without reprocessing previously waved hair, including a core or spool for winding up a previously waved hair end portion and having a spool enlargement on one end, an enclosure having an opening and a slot extending from the opening for receiving the hair wound spool with the enlargement closing the enclosure opening and the hair extending through the slot, and a flexible seal along the slot retained in closing engagement therewith by externally wound hair.

Abstract: A ball valve is provided especially for use between adjacent sections of a pipe line conducting an inflammable fluid and comprises a valve housing, a valve ball (2) in the housing and having a through passage, a trunnion in the housing projecting into a first socket in the ball, and a control shaft projecting into and drivingly engaging a second socket in the ball diametrally opposed to the first socket. A pair of annular valve seat members (4) spaced axially of the pipe line carry sealing rings (8), spring means (9) urging the seat members towards the ball. Each seat member at its end adjacent the spring means has a frusto-conical portion (11) which tapers from a shoulder (12) on the seat member towards the end face (4A) of the latter. A graphite ring (13) is fitted between the frusto-conical portion and the adjacent peripheral wall of the housing and a first spacer ring (14) is located between the graphite ring and the shoulder.

Abstract: A float controlled valve syphons water out of a swimming pool cover. The syphon valve includes co-operable male and female valve members disposed for mutually relative movement to bring them into and out of mutual engagement to thereby close and open flow communication through a syphon discharge passage formed in the male member. A float body is coupled to one of the said members for effecting the engagement and disengagement in response to the level of the water in the swimming pool cover. The male valve member is tapered at the forward end to facilitate engagement with a central recess in the female member. The female member is formed of more yielding material than the male member and has a thin walled portion receiving the male member and of sufficient flexibility to envelop dirt particles at the male-female member seal.

Abstract: A butterfly valve is adapted to pivot a valve stem to a valve body through openings formed in a ring-shaped elastic valve seat attached inside the valve body, to slidably contact the valve member and the inner face of the valve seat each other in the vicinity of the valve stem, and to form recesses for charging lubricant in the slidably contacting face on the valve seat or on the side face of the valve member.

Abstract: Apparatus by which a fluid can be transported through a conduit from a first body to a second body joined together by a universal joint comprising first and second fluid swivels positioned about 90.degree. from each other and with each swivel located exterior of, and axially in line with an axis of, a universal joint having two definable axes of rotation, an elbow conduit exterior of the universal joint having its ends connected to the two swivels, a first conduit extending out from the first swivel and secured to the first body, and a second conduit extending out from the second swivel and secured to the second body.

Abstract: The three port two-way diverter valve includes a generally T-shaped valve body having one input and two output ports connecting to its hollow cylindrical interior. A cylindrical diverter valve member is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical interior of the valve body. The cylindrical valve member is closed at one end and open at the other with the open end disposed in fluid communication with the input port at the base leg of the T-shaped body. The diverter valve member includes a side port of generally semi-cylindrical shape such that when the side port of the valve member is rotated into alignment with one or the other of the two other output ports, the flow entering at the base leg input port is directed through the respective output port disposed in alignment with the side port in the cylindrical valve member. In this manner, the flow entering the base leg may be diverted to either of the output ports, as desired.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a refrigerant flow reversing valve. The flow reversing valve includes a valve housing providing a chamber communicating with a refrigerant compressor discharge via a first port and a bearing surface with second, third and fourth ports opening into it, the second port communicating with the compressor inlet. A valving member is disposed on the surface for sliding movement to communicate, respectively, the first and fourth and second and third ports when in one position and to communicate, respectively, the first and third and second and fourth ports in a second position. The valving member is formed by a rigid plastic body defining a cavity by which the second port is communicated with the respective third and fourth ports and a face surrounding the cavity extending generally parallel to the bearing surface.

Abstract: A resilient pipe thread protector comprises a substantially annular resilient body having an interior opening provided with a thread pattern conformed to mate with the threads of the ends of a drill pipe. To allow for installation onto drill pipes of various sizes the thread protector includes a convolved split defining a plurality of interlocking projections and includes a similarly patterned circular spring within the interior thereof. The foregoing assembly may be formed by injection molding with the convolved split being achieved through the use of a separator plate splitting the mold.In the alternative the convolved split may be formed along inclined surfaces where each projection is received in a pocket-like recess conformed for telescopic receipt thereof.

Abstract: Particulate insulation materials such as vermiculite, perlite, or cellulose are packaged in sturdy resinous bags 10 sealed at each end and then positioned directly over a body to be insulated. The resin bags contain the insulation particles, hold them in place, and keep them dry; and the particles can be spread into an even barrier layer within the bags, which protect the particles during use. Bags 10 can be laid side by side over a surface, above and below a pipe, and concentrically surrounding a pipe. Bagged insulation particles are especially suitable for underground insulation where backfilled earth applies uniform pressure helping to hold the bags and insulation particles in place indefinitely.

Abstract: The warp beam is constructed with a hollow tube on which flanges can be symmetrically mounted as well as with a tubular extension at one end to permit asymmetric mounting in the bearings of a weaving machine. The warp beam is shaftless and the extension element has a slightly greater diameter than the diameter of the warp beam tube so as to render the warp beam more rigid. The rigidity of the warp beam reduces distortions and vibrations of the warp beam during weaving.

Abstract: An installation for manufacturing articles from one or more liquid or pasty materials which solidify in a mold, said material or materials resulting from the mixing, prior to its or their introduction into the mold, of at least two liquid and/or pasty components in a mixer comprising a chamber, a mixing device arranged in the chamber, at least two feed conduits for the components arranged at one end of the chamber, each feed conduit feeding a different component to the chamber, and a discharge conduit for the mixture arranged at the other end of the chamber is improved due to the fact that the mixer is provided with an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the average direction of flow of the mixture which passes through the chamber and with a control which makes it possible to reverse the direction of flow of the mixture with respect to the gravitational field of the earth.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing rechargeable electrochemical cell electrodes of the type having a metal grid substrate and an electrochemically active material carried thereby, in which a continuously moving web of the metal grid substrate is fed to a paste applicator where active material is loaded into the spaces of the grid, the loaded grid then being passed through a set of driven sizing rollers for compressing the active material and grid and for extracting excess liquid, and thereafter being passed through a set of die rollers which cuts and trims the electrodes to the desired form. During transport of the continuous web, webs of disposable material, such as porous pasting paper, are conveyed in contact with one or both sides of the substrate as it progresses through the manufacturing stations.

Abstract: An electronic control system is described to control the operation of a positive displacement piston filler used for dispensing sauce or a suitable liquid into a flexible pouch which is controlled in movement by means of a Bartelt packaging machine. The electronic control system exerts control over the opening and closing of a dispensing plunger, a rotor valve and a product delivery piston associated with the sauce filler apparatus. A blow-off timing sequence is further controlled to assure that a blast of pressurized air enters the dispensing head of the sauce filler at the most optimum time to assure reliable cleaning of the top portion of the pouch prior to sealing. The control system employs separate timers which serve to enable control of each of the above described operations in one hundredths of a second to enable precise regulation of each phase of the fill cycle.

Abstract: A workbench tool assembly which takes the form of a frame upon which is mounted a drill press assembly movable between a stored position within the frame and an extended position above the frame. The drill press assembly includes a counterbalance mechanism to counterbalance the force required to move the drill press assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. The workbench tool assembly also includes a table saw assembly and a separate band saw assembly, as well as a jointer, a sander and a lathe.

Abstract: A wood incisor for perforating the surface of lumber. The incisor includes a roll having a plurality of spaced sockets in its circumferential surface. Incisor teeth are received in the sockets and are clamped in the sockets by means of camming elements.

Abstract: Passive, self-energizing means for increasing the load carrying capabilities in the depressurized condition of a banded radial run-flat tire system. In this invention, an inner tube inflated to a pressure of about 3-5 psi is positioned on the wheel rim inside the tire which is inflated to its normal pressure of about 30 psi. Because of this pressure differential, the inner tube is compressed to about one-sixth its volume at ambient pressure and in normal operation it rides out of contact with the inside walls of the tire casing without interaction therewith. If the tire is depressurized because of a puncture or other cause, the release of tire pressure on the inner tube results in the expansion of the tube outwards to maintain the curvature in the sidewalls, which curvature enhances the load capacity of the tire in the depressurized condition.

Abstract: A structure for fitting around the rim of vehicle wheel and within the tire provides, on deflation of the tire, support for the tire at the ground bearing point and prevents dislocation of the tire beads thus enabling control and reasonable "run-flat" travel to be retained in the event of a puncture. The structure comprises a number of elongate block members (1, 2) which lie transversely across the well (10) in the rim of the wheel (3). The blocks are spaced and retained by reinforced rubber belts (13) and are dimensioned to prevent displacement of the tire beads (11). To enable a tire to be fitted or removed some, at least, of the blocks (1) are in two parts (6, 8) with a pivotal interconnection (15) allowing the center of the block to move away from the rim and the ends to move together thus allowing space for the tire bead to enter the well, this being effected automatically on insertion of a tire lever under the tire bead.

Abstract: In the combination of detachable addition members with rubber articles, particularly tire sidewalls, wherein each article has a circumferentially discontinuous first coupling portion adapted to operatively interact with a second coupling portion on the addition member for securing the member to the article, the improvement being characterized in that either the coupling portions or addition members are adapted to produce a perceptive physical change during abnormal operating conditions of the article.

Abstract: A metal casting system including novel process and apparatus wherein the shape of the casting is defined by a thin thermal degrading film supported by a particulate bed. A pattern having the shape of the desired casting is surrounded by the tight fitting film with one end of the pattern exposed. A particulate bed is tightly packed about the film-surrounded pattern. A reduced fluid pressure is established within the particulate bed relative to the pattern so that the surrounding film is tightly held by atmospheric pressure against the particulate bed and slightly released from the pattern. The pattern is removed from the surrounding film and leaves therein a cavity bounded by the film with the shape of the desired casting. The cavity is filled with molten metal for forming the desired casting simultaneously with the vaporization of the film. The present metal casting system is especially useful for the casting of cylindrical shapes using unique molds and a novel flask is provided for such a casting process.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a method for casting, in which a shaped body of an inorganic fiber material is fixedly secured on a chill member, then the chill member together with the shaped body of inorganic fiber is incorporated in a predetermined part of a cast article through a fiber-reinforced composite layer to be brought about at the time of casting under high pressure solidification casting techniques.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus lights the surface of a moving hot steel material with lamps, locates any flaw with a video camera or the like, scarfs the surface of the steel material adjacent the flaw with a scarfing torch, measures the depth of the flaw with an eddy current detecting probe or the like, estimates accurately the loss of length due to conditioning size and depth of the flaw with a computer, and cuts the steel material in a predetermined length plus the accurately estimated length corresponding to the loss of length due to conditioning.

Abstract: In a process and installation for the manufacture of a metal wire from a jet of molten metal, the jet of metal which is in the course of solidification is supported by cooling fluid displaced by two cylinders rotating in opposite directions with a tangential velocity such that the wire is supported in stable equilibrium in the plane of vertical symmetry of the two cylinders above the level defined by the plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry and passing through the axes of rotation of the two cylinders, the space between the two cylinders being between about 0.15% and 3% of their common radius and their peripheral speed being between about 4 and 120 m/sec.

Abstract: A counterflow heat exchanger comprises coaxial upper and lower tube plates wherebetween extends a tube nest including a plurality of tubes laid parallel to the exchanger axis. The tubes are distributed in a substantially polar symmetry arrangement and have the terminating portion of at least one end thereof substantially perpendicular to the exchanger axis, while the rectilinear portion of the tube nest, which constitutes the heat exchange zone, is enclosed within an annular interspace defined between an inner jacket and an outer shroud.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an underwater well blowout including a vessel with a lower weighted collar vent ports intermediate the top and bottom of the vessel a valve controlled chimney at the top of the vessel, a gas outlet positioned to provide a gas cap in the vessel when the valve is closed with the vessel in position around the blowing well, an oil outlet above the vent ports and below the gas cap and means for pumping substantially only oil from the vessel at a rate to prevent oil from escaping from the vessel to the sea in substantial quantities.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for generating and discharging foam is provided. Apparatus (10) includes a container (12) for receiving and storing a foam generating solution (24). A discharge tube (66) is connected to container (12). An ejector tube (32) is disposed within container (12) for discharging the foam generating solution (24) to the discharge tube (66). Foam generating structure (34) is disposed between the ejector tube (32) and the discharge tube (66) exterior of the container (12) and includes a chamber (74) communicating with ejector tube (32) for permitting the passage of the foam generating solution (24) therethrough to the discharge tube (66). A pressure source (52) communicates with the container (12) for forcing the foam generating solution (24) through the ejector tube (32) and the foam generating structure (34). The pressure source (52) further communicates with the chamber (74) for aerating the foam generating solution (24) prior to flowing through the discharge tube (66).

Abstract: An agricultural implement is disclosed which includes a center section and a plurality of wing sections foldable with respect to each other. A plurality of ground-working tools extend downwardly and rearwardly from the sections of the implement at spaced intervals along the lengths thereof. The wing sections are pivotally connected to the center section by a telescoping hinge which prevents the ground-working tools of the respective sections from conflicting with each other when the implement is folded. The telescoping hinge includes a telescoping member, slidably connected to an end of a first associated section and pivotally connected to an end of a second associated section adjacent to the first associated section.

Abstract: An implement side shift assembly is disclosed for laterally shifting an earth-working implement relative to a tractor or the like. The side shift assembly includes a frame assembly having laterally extending upper and lower slide rails. An implement support bracket mounts the implement to the slide rails for lateral movement. A slide plate is slidably mounted between the slide rails for lateral movement, and a piston-cylinder is connected between the frame assembly and slide plate to move the slide plate laterally. A latching mechanism mounted on the implement support bracket selectively connects the slide plate to the implement support bracket at one of a plurality of connecting points on the slide plate. One of the features of the invention resides in attaching lift cylinders to the side shift frame assembly at positions as far outboard as possible on the opposite ends of the frame assembly to reduce the bending and twisting moments on the frame induced by the implement.

Abstract: A linear motion impactor device includes an impactor (28) which provides force to a hammer shank (56) only upon application of the hammer against a surface to be impacted thereby saving power and reducing noise during periods of non-use. The impactor (28) which operates on the hammer shank (56) is mounted in a housing (12) and is formed with a bore (30) normally coincident with the axis of rotation (22) of an eccentric cam (24) which is rotated by a power source (20). The impactor (28) is retained in this center-line position by a compression pad (38) positioned between the impactor (28) and the housing (12) and further positioned diametrically opposite the hammer shank (56). In the two embodiments described, either linear bearings (76, 78) or shear pads (42, 44) ensure linear motion to the impactor (28) during operation.

Abstract: An electronic digital readout diet scale for measuring and displaying weight information. A microcomputer is used to enable a dieter to enter a diet program having an objective weight and a given time interval. The scale will indicate the amount of weight to be lost or gained in order to achieve the objective weight as well as the deviation between the current weight and the projected weight according to the diet program.

Abstract: A lightweight, yet heavy duty, self-contained towing vehicle of relatively small size and designed for maximum maneuverability in confined quarters, driven by a multi-speed, electric motor in which the forward speed is greater than the reverse speed. The steering control handle is pivotally mounted in cooperative relation to the drive wheels to act as a manual differential clutch thus facilitating maneuverability and convert the vehicle from power driven to freewheeling and even to somewhat control the speed of the vehicle. A clamp-on bracket is pivotally mounted about a vertical axis on the front end of the vehicle and selectively adapted to engage and hold a conventional tow bar of the type provided with the aircraft. The vehicle is battery powered and has two electrical systems, a first which drives the vehicle forwardly at one speed and a second, which drives the vehicle in reverse at a second slower speed.

Abstract: A combination of a combustion engine connected to operate intermittently at its point of peak efficiency for effecting recharge of an electric power drive system provides a vehicle drive system capable of 100 miles per gallon.