Abstract: A prosthetic shape sensor comprises a single camera unit and a reflecting surface each mounted on a turntable and arranged opposite each other to define therebetween a space for a stump of a patient. The reflecting surface is shaped to fit between the stump and a leg of the patient. The camera unit includes a light source and the camera unit and the reflecting surface are rotatable together on the turntable through at least 180.degree.. The camera unit can collect a series of silhouette views of the stump upon rotation about the stump.

Abstract: A positive fixation cardiac lead includes an electrode sleeve/crimp tube assembly in which a recess is formed for retaining a drug impregnated matrix. The electrode sleeve and crimp tube threadedly engage, to permit insertion of the matrix prior to their assembly. The distal end section of the crimp tube can be provided with a helical groove corresponding to the shape of a fixation helix, with the sleeve and distal section spaced from one another to permit insertion of an annular drug matrix. The distal portion of the electrode sleeve can have an annular groove formed to receive a length of platinum wire, for increased electrode sensitivity.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac pacing lead includes a porous, platinum electrode, a flexible electrically conductive coil, and a crimp tube coupling the electrode to the distal end of the coil. A recess in the crimp tube, open to the electrode at the crimp tube distal end, houses a matrix impregnated with a therapeutic drug. The electrode is highly porous and loaded with a therapeutic drug in liquid or solid form. Immediately upon implant of the electrode at a selected myocardial location, the electrode begins dispensing the therapeutic drug. Meanwhile, the matrix begins to elute its drug at a rate more suited to chronic treatment. If desired, the recess can extend through the crimp tube to permit proximal end loading of the drug carrying matrix. A silicone plug, or an additional and proximal crimp tube section, is inserted into the recess after loading of the matrix to provide the required fluid seal.

Abstract: A sitting patient leg restraint comprises a central section, a hollow wide tube formed of cotton broadcloth or the like, elongated sufficiently as to be capable of looping around a thigh of the seated patient, and across the patient's mid-section (or lower torso) and around the sides at least to the back-rest of the chair. Tie straps of the same type of material extend from opposite ends of the central section. The interior of the central section is filled with a soft padding, such as cotton batting used in quilting, and the central section is divided into multiple sections by stitching or the like extending thereacross to assist in maintaining a relatively wide and flat shape, and to keep the padding secure and distributed throughout the interior.

Abstract: The device comprises: a tracheal tube insertable into the trachea of a patient, and an endobronchial tube, of greater length than the tracheal tube and being insertable into the tracheal tube for reaching, with one of its extremities, one of the principal bronchi. In this way the endobronchial tube defines in co-operation with the tracheal tube a single air passage. At their external ends, the cited tubes are connectable to an air supply and at their internal ends are provided with sealing members which can be actuated to form a seal with the internal walls of the organs wherein the tubes are inserted. There are also provided stoppers adapted to act between the two tubes, towards the exterior, to prevent external communication with the cited air passage. The cited air passage and the endobronchial tube have substantially equal fluid-dynamic resistances to obtain uniform ventilation of both lungs.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery article is capable of producing substantial quantities of smoke, both initially and over the useful lifetime of the product, without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products or sidestream smoke. The article also delivers very low levels of carbon monoxide. The article is able of providing the user with the sensations and benefits of cigarette smoking without burning tobacco. The article includes a carbonaceous fuel element, an aerosol forming substance within a heat conductive container, an outer member surrounding the heat conductive container, and a mouthend piece. Upon draw on the mouthend piece air enters the peripheral region of the outer member and enters the heat conductive container. As the heat conductive container is in a heat exchange relationship with the fuel element, aerosol is thereby formed within the container and passed to the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A device for helping a cigarette smoker to reduce his daily cigarette consumption. An elongated container has a main body at least as long as a cigarette. The body holds an interiorly threaded cylinder and has an upper end that is exteriorly threaded. A container cap has threads engageable with the body's exterior threads. There is a serrated cup and ash holder inside the container engaging the interior threads, and a knob is provided for rotating the cylinder to cause them to go up and down in the container, depending on the direction of rotation. The main body preferably has a clip on its exterior. The device may have a lighter in an upper portion of the cap.

Abstract: The tar and nicotine content of tobacco is reduced by passing through the tobacco a combination of steam and starch cells.

Abstract: Rare or specialty cigar-type and pipe tobaccos can be uniformly applied within a blend of smokable material for use as cigarette cut filler. The rare or specialty tobacco is divided into a finely divided powder, suspended in liquid, and applied as a casing to one or more relatively major components of the blend. This invention provides for cigarette cut filler having low (e.g., less than about 5 weight percent) amounts of unique tobaccos contained uniformly throughout.

Abstract: A method of shaving a beard is disclosed which includes the steps of passing the hairs of a beard through an electrically and thermally insulating grid and then applying laser energy of selected wave lengths to the ends of the hairs passing through the grid. Preferably, the energy from the laser source is directed perpendicularly to the hairs in the grid.

Abstract: A lice comb comprises a handle and a resiliently flexible elongated member having the end portions thereof connected to the handle and teeth mounted outwardly from the member and extending in the same plane as the handle. A manually movable cam member is mounted on the handle and contacts the member opposite the side holding the teeth and intermediate of the end portions to flex the member outwardly relative to the handle between a minimum flexure position wherein the teeth have a minimum spacing therebetween and a maximum flexure position wherein the teeth have a maximum spacing therebetween. As a result the comb can be used for different textures of hair and the teeth can be easily cleaned.

Abstract: An accessory for the hair comprising a fringe and securing means, attached to one edge of the fringe, suitably comprising a head band formed for example in an open curve of firm material having resilience so as to grip the sides of a user's head and having projections to engage the head. The fringe in use overlies the user's forehead and may comprise real or synthetic hair, strips, or strings of beads depending from the securing means. The fringe may have a plurality of layers of different colors suitably attached to respective subsidiary band, for attachment to the head band. The accessory may be provided as a kit of parts.There is also a display device for fashion accessories having a surface with representations of human faces with means for retaining accessories in suitable positions thereon.

Abstract: A manicuring device adapted for removing fingernail polish comprising a cylindrical receptacle defining an interior annular channel and a bottom rib, and a brush member inserted into the receptacle and locked in place in the channel and against the rib. The brush member comprises hollow body with a plurality of flexible integral bristles extending inward and defining a plurality of slits allowing fluid to pass into the interior of the body. The brush member has a circular flange portion on one end and a plurality of legs extending substantially perpendicular from the plane of the flange portion.

Abstract: A nail clipper (10) is disclosed which includes a one-piece, U-shaped, plastic body having a pair of longitudinal handles (13, 14) with blades (11, 12) on one or both of the longitudinal handles of the device. An integral central arc portion (15) bends when the longitudinal handles (13, 14) are compressed. The blades (11, 12) are aligned to provide a scissors-like interference cut. A receptacle (18) for the nail clippings may also be provided, either between the two handles (13, 14), within the lower handle (14) itself, or directly beneath the lower blade (12). The receptacle may be provided with a pivoting or removable cover (19). A file surface (21) may also be affixed to the nail clipper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a curly hair correcting iron for correcting natural curly hair into straight hair. The iron comprises two rods containing therein heaters, respectively, one rod having its surface provided with two spaced rows of projections which are triangular or semicircular in section, the other rod having its surface likewise provided with a row of projections which also are triangular or semicircular in section so as to be positioned between the two rows of projections on the first rod, whereby when hair is sandwiched therebetween it is curved into a U-shape or a V-shape. The hair is held and pulled in the direction of the hair end thereby exerting strong drawing, heat and tension on the hair to extend it. To dampen pressure, it is preferable that a resilient layer be pasted onto the rod surface, and to dampen the action of heat to enhance the efficiency, it is desirable that the resilient layer be formed of a material having a far infrared radiation.

Abstract: A method and a product employed in the method for the mechanical and cheml removal of dental plaques are disclosed. The method comprises providing cotton filaments of a size suitable for passing between teeth as a dental floss, chemically impregnating the cotton filaments by soaking in a saturated solution of potassium hydrogen tartrate and potassium hydrogen citrate, subsequently drying the chemically impregnated cotton fibers, and passing the dried chemically impregnated cotton filaments in the form of a dental floss between teeth and over the surfaces of the teeth containing plaque compositions including a calcium phosphate to thereby convert the calcium phosphate to the more soluble compounds calcium citrate and calcium tartrate which go into solution and the plaque is, thus, removed from the surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a machine and/or system as well as a method of operation and an assembly whereby a sweeping unit may be quickly converted into a scrubbing unit and vice versa. The system is capable of operation either in a sweeping mode or a scrubbing mode and is also adaptable to include a vacuum wand assembly when the unit is to be operated in its sweeping mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for hazardous detergents which is adapted to permit withdrawal of the hazardous detergent (73) and recovery thereof in polluted state, the hazardous detergent (73) preferably being a solvent which can be pumped out of the container (9), is useful for internal and/or external cleaning of spray guns (1) or other polluted implements and recoverable in the container (9) in polluted state.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning any type parts used domestically or commerically. The unit has a main containing vessel. The containing vessel is divided into upper and lower chambers by a dividing shelf extending across slightly less than the interior of the vessel. A gap is provided thereby for seepage of liquid from the upper to the lower compartment when in use. A small D.C. pump is used to pump liquid from the lower to upper chamber when used.

Abstract: A disposable umbrella is formed from a single sheet of corrugated material and has a first fold line dividing the sheet into two essentially imperforate panels and forming a peaked-roof shape, with each of the panels having a handle-forming foldout tongue formed along second fold lines disposed perpendicular to the first fold line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring-biased foot subassembly for use in the lower corners of a wall panel of a ground tent to yieldably resist the tension placed upon such panels when the diagonally-extending portions of the subframes supporting same in free-standing relation elongate as they move from an inwardly bowed partially folded relation out and over center where they assume a more or less straight line relation and on beyond into a fully-extended and outwardly-bowed position. The same elements that yieldably resist this tensioning of the wall panel also cooperate therewith to maintain the latter taut and under slight tension once the subframe has moved into its fully-extended and outwardly-bowed wall-supporting position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draining a swimming pool cover includes upper and lower flanged members having a central drain passage for sealably fitting around a hole formed in the pool cover. A drain tube upwardly extends from the upper flange and communicates with the passage thereof. An elbow fitting or the like communicates at one end with the passage in the lower flange and at another end with a flexible conduit. The conduit extends from the elbow fitting for connection to a conventional return water port fitting located at the pool sidewall. As water accumulates on the cover to a predetermined depth, the excess water drains into the drain tube and travels through the flexible conduit to exit the pool at the sidewall port fitting. A perforated drain closure member is also preferably employed around the drain tube to prevent debris blockage and to provide for adjustably regulating the height and weight of water stored on the cover for hold-down purposes.

Abstract: A push-button operated valve having an optional metering control for regulating the open state of the valve includes optional pneumatic actuation in response to a source of either pressure or vacuum while retaining the metering capability. A plurality of diaphragms, responsive to either mechanically induced or pneumatically induced forces, relocate a magnet for magnetically opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough and for controlling closure of the valve in response to the presence of the metering control, which metering control has an adjustable response period.

Abstract: A pressure release device for sealably mounting on a vessel adapted to contain a fluid under pressure not to exceed a predetermined maximum pressurization limit.

Abstract: An injection shut-off valve for insertion into an infusion line comprises a housing with connections for inlet and outlet lines. The housing includes an orifice for introducing an injection syringe. A valve is installed in the housing and includes a deformable diaphragm. In a non-injection state, the valve device seals off fluid flow between the inlet and outlet lines on the one hand and the orifice on the other. During injection, the diaphragm is deformed to create an opening such that fluid flow from the inlet to the housing is shut off. During deformation of the diaphragm the orifice is brought into fluid carrying communication with the outlet line from the housing, thus making it possible for the injection fluid to pass through the housing into the outlet line, and to a patient.

Abstract: A tubeless tire valve has a one piece, integral valve body having a central passageway formed therein, wherein the passageway is formed of upper, central and lower regions. A one piece, integral valve pin has a head sized to fit in the upper region, a first shank extending away from the head to an enlargement, and a second shank extending away from the enlargement. The pin enlargement has a maximum dimension larger than the central region to create an interference fit therewith, and the maximum dimension is selected such that the enlargement can be forced through the central region. A resilient internal gasket is mounted on the second shank to seal the central passageway.

Abstract: A valve cap adapted to be screwed onto the valve of a pneumatic tire gives a pressure drop indication. To this end the valve cap comprises a deflectable diaphragm which separates the housing interior into a first chamber adjacent a transparent section of the closed housing end portion and a second chamber which is in communication with the tire interior through a port formed in a transverse housing wall and through the open tire valve. When the valve cap has been tightly screwed onto the tire valve and the tire valve has been opened, the desired tire pressure will be built up in both chambers. Upon closing of the second chamber a reference pressure corresponding to the desired tire pressure will prevail therein. Any reduction of the tire pressure relative to the reference pressure will cause the diaphragm to converge towards the transparent housing portion, thus serving as an indication.

Abstract: A valve box stabilizer for stabilizing a valve box covering an underground valve housing including a body for receiving the neck of the valve, an inner wall portion for contacting this neck along a substantial portion of the valve, and the wall portion having a plurality of fins each with an outer surface to form a discontinuous outer wall for contact with the internal surface of the valve box so as to prevent movement of the valve box relative to the valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic fuse or cut-off device divides fluid flow into: (i) a primary fluid stream; and (ii) a secondary fluid stream having a substantially constant, but small ratio of flow to said primary stream. The secondary stream exerts pressure on a timing piston which thereby monitors the entire flow and causes the fuse to cut-off when a predetermined volume of fluid has passed through the device. The fuse includes a regulating piston for building inlet pressure to a value sufficient to develop the power necessary to drive the timing piston. Greater simplicity of the component parts and decreased sensitivity to contamination results from the use of a small fluid orifice to control the secondary stream. This is achieved by fitting the regulating piston with an inwardly directed flange, just touching the peripheral surface of a slightly tapered, central pin--whereby the taper of the pin causes the orifice to be created as the regulating piston is caused to slide as a result of the primary fluid flow.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly includes a cage with a cage fluid passage and a seat with a seat fluid passage. A poppet valve member includes a head and is movable between a closed position with the head engaging the seat and an open position with the head spaced from the seat. The valve member is stemless and is guided by a guide fin assembly including a plurality of guide fins slidably engaging the seat passage.

Abstract: A pressure control valve has a spool slidably mounted in a valve body. The valve body has a chamber between opposed lands of the spool. An oil guide is provided in the chamber. The oil guide has a passage arranged to apply oil pressure to the lands. The passage has a small cross-sectional area so as to reduce pulsation of oil pressure.

Abstract: A valve device for controlling a fluid flow. The device comprises a valve body arranged in a valve housing and placeable against a valve seat and moveable away from the seat. A center portion of the valve body forms an integral part of a membrance manufactured from a resilient material. Said part of the membrane freely, without friction, embraces the shaft of a membrane manoeuvring member having a head which is gripped by a cavity in the membrane.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect hydraulic coupler is provided especially for connecting rigid hydraulic members where no axial movement of the coupling halves can be achieved. The quick coupler comprises a male connector attached to one hydraulic line and a female connector attached to another hydraulic line. The male and female connectors each include an annular check valve that is spring-biased against a poppet seat to prevent loss of hydraulic fluid when the coupler halves are disconnected. The male connector has an annular coupling nut surrounding and confining the male check valve. When the male and female connector halves are aligned, the coupling nut can be moved axially toward the female connector and rotated to engage threads on the outside circumference of the female connector. Tightening the coupling nut onto the female connector forces the male check valve to extend and to form a seal with the female check valve.

Abstract: A fast operating bistable valve has a movable spherical plug made of magnetic material and a chamber in which the plug is disposed. The chamber has an interior wall shaped to guide the plug along an axis between a first end position and a second end position. A first pole piece made of magnetic material is disposed at the first end position. A first port opens into the chamber such that the plug covers the first port in one end position. A second port opens into the chamber in communication with the first port when the plug is in the other end position. Responsive to a periodic electric current, a first periodic magnetic field of a first given polarity parallel to the axis is generated in the first pole piece to attract periodically the plug to the first end position. The plug is placed in the second end position in the absence of the electric current.

Abstract: An improved flow control valve for controlling selection of the temperature of water and its direction to one of several outlet ports, for example, a shower head or a tub spigot, is disclosed. The valve comprises a ball member having first and second inlet passages and one outlet passage formed in it, which fits within a valve body having first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports therein. The inlet passages in the ball are disposed in the same plane as the inlet ports, while the outlet passage is disposed in the same plane as are the outlet ports. These planes may be perpendicular to one another. A control member is connected to the ball and is rotatable about a first axis to select the temperature of the water and about a second axis to control the amount of water flowing and its direction to one of the outlet ports.

Abstract: Hydraulic pressure servo-regulator, intended to provide a hydraulic fluid pressure corresponding to a given electrical signal, comprising an electromechnical device (10) connected to a valve mechanism (12) of a high-pressure fluid circuit (38), characterized in that the electromechanical device (10) comprises a geared motor, the valve mechanism (12) comprising a spool valve (44) connected to the geared motor (10) by way of a spring (58).

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a slide type exhaust brake system. In this system, a plate valve member having an exhaust pressure regulating port extending through its surface is fitted in an exhaust brake body housing having a valve member reciprocation passage extending generally at a right angle from and communicating with an exhaust flow passage having exhaust pipe joint walls projecting at its two side end portions.

Abstract: A helium charged accumulator is disclosed for use in hydraulic fluid pressure systems. The size of the accumulator is optimized for particular operating conditions of specific applications of the hydraulic systems by means of a formula. The formula has, as its terms, the volume of the hydraulic fluid required to power a given device, the compressibility factor of the particular gas used and the temperature and pressure of the gas at the beginning of, during, and at the end of the operation cycle of the accumulator.

Abstract: A seamless water hammer arrester is formed of an elongate chamber with an entirely seamless upper closed end and a lower end connectable to a water pipe. A piston is emplaced in the chamber and is movable up and down therein to dampen water hammer. The piston defines an upper chamber portion in the chamber which has a super atmospheric charge of gas providing a downward pressure on the piston. The piston is of a liquid and gas impervious, lightweight synthetic material and has at least three O-ring seals therearound to maintain a substantially leak free separation of the upper and lower chamber portions. The piston is preferably domed to accord to the shape of the chamber upper end and hollow to collect sediment when used in a upside down orientation.

Abstract: A part feeder (29) for moving individual parts (34) held on rolls (21) of tape (37) to a pickup point, as for handling by a robot arm (25) inserting parts (34) into PC boards (26) at a work station, the part feeder (29) including a cassette (30) having a housing portion (30a) to hold the roll (21) and side walls (85) having guide members (48,33,104) affixed to position the parts (34) for capture by a parts advancing mechanism (52) to be transferred into a part dressing assembly (43) where the parts (34) have their leads (35,36) straightened and cut to a desired length preparatory to presentation for pickup. (FIG. 7).

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and associated controls are provided in a system for loading bulk material into a flexible, collapsed container from an overhead storage bin. The container can be positioned on a scale in the loading station. A dicharge conduit from the bin is connected to a discharge spout which is movable into communication with the container. An exhaust conduit from a dust collection system is connected to an exhaust spout which is also movable into communication with the container. The discharge and exhaust spouts are mounted on a carriage movable on a platform toward and away from the container. The platform is movable transversely of the container between a loading position behind the container and a retracted position which accommodates movement of the container therepast. A line is provided for supplying inert gas to the discharge spout. Valves are provided on the exhaust conduit, discharge conduit, and inert gas line for controlling the flows through the conduits.

Abstract: A portable material bagging machine having a hopper superstructure deployed directly over a chain conveyor that is positioned in the floor of the hopper. The hopper superstructure is mounted on a dual set of wheels to maintain a center of gravity of the device so that a front mounted carriage adjustment stand may be actuated to selectively alter the level of the hopper superstructure to shift clumped sand within the hopper and deposit same onto a chute for subsequent loading onto the chain conveyor and thence to exit the one man bagging apparatus. The bagging device being of a small caliber to facilitate the handling by one operator of all necessary operations attended upon the delivery of bulk particulate materials to a site.

Abstract: There is disclosed a filling device for powdered material. The filling device is to be employed between a stationary fill tube and a vehicle positioned vertically therebelow. The filling device includes a funnel that is mounted on a double carriage whereby one carriage moves in one direction and the other carriage is movable transverse to the movement of the first. Sealing means is provided to inhibit the escape of the powdered material to the environment.

Abstract: An improved planing head for a wood planar is the subject of the present invention. A cylindrical planing head has a plurality of slots which receive the cutting blades and gib means for holding the blades in place during the planing operation. The slots and gibs are designed so that the blade sits on the bottom of the slot and tightening of the gib forces the blade down against the slot bottom. This assures that the blade will always remain in proper alignment. It is preferable to employ jack screws in the bottom of the slot so as to provide means for adjusting the blade height as needed. In either case, the only requirement for realigning a blade when an old blade is taken out and a new blade is put in is to be sure that the bottom of the blade sits on the bottom of the slot where it will be in the exact same position as the previous blade.

Abstract: A radial tire wherein part or the whole of the blocks present on the tread area have an angle .theta. of the direction in which the maximum shear rigidity is attained relative to the circumferential direction of the tire in the range of 40.degree..ltoreq..theta..ltoreq.75.degree., the direction in which the maximum shear rigidity of said block is attained and the direction of the cords of the outermost belt layer are opposite to each other with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire, the ratio of the maximum shear rigidity of said block to the minimum shear rigidity of said block is in the range from 1.4 to 1.8, and the total area of the block is 65% or more based on the total area of all the blocks.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for motor vehicles has a low absorption of horse-power. The tire has an annular tread reinforcing structure disposed in the crown which comprises two layers of rubberized fabric with metallic cords having a diameter of not more than 0.603 mm embedded therein; the radial reciprocal distance between the centers of two facing cords in the radial direction on the cross-section of the tire is not over 1 mm.

Abstract: A travel lock system for use on retractable awnings incorporating a support arm and a rafter arm wherein the rafter arm is adapted to be moved into a channel provided in the support arm when the awning is retracted, includes a lock arm adapted, in a locking position, to extend across the channel in the support arm to retain the rafter arm therein and further includes a cam surface so that movement of the rafter arm into the channel when the travel lock is in its locking position will not damage the travel lock but will pivot the travel lock out of its locking position to permit the rafter arm to be moved into the support arm.

Abstract: A slide latch mechanism for use in a retractable awning wherein a rafter arm has one end adapted to slide along a support arm includes a pocket at the upper end of the support arm into which the slide member can be received to temporarily retain the slide member at the upper end of a support arm. The slide member retained in this manner, prevents an inadvertent collapse of the awning.

Abstract: A manually and automatically operable curtain is provided with an electric motor, a planetary gearing of which the sun gear is fixed to the output shaft of the motor, a driven gear engageable with the planet gear of the planetary gearing, a cord pulley fixed to the driven gear for drawing the curtain, and an electric control system including a motor-reversing device. The rotation of the motor is transmitted to the cord pulley through the intermediary of the planet gear when the motor turns. Responsive to a signal to stop the motor, the motor-reversing device reverses the motor for a very small time so as to disengage the planet gear from the driven gear. Thus, the curtain is easily operated by hand without receiving the rotational resistance of the motor.

Abstract: A heat shield for a casting furnace consists of at least two elements slidably mounted in the furnace. The elements are generally planar in shape and extend between heating and cooling zones to provide the requisite heat insulation characteristics. The heat shield elements are movable in a direction generally parallel to their plane which extends generally perpendicularly to the path of movement of the mold from the heating zone into the cooling zone. Each of the heat shield elements consists of a generally planar, substantially rigid portion slidably mounted in the furnace and a generally planar second portion formed of a flexible refractory material. Distal edges of the second portions may overlap each other and may define an opening, the contour of which closely approximates that of the cross sectional contour of the mold.