Abstract: A structural frame assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an annular inner hub, an annular outer casing and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced and radially extending hollow struts connected to the inner hub and outer casing. Hot gases are extracted from the engine primary flowpath, using a scoop attached to each strut, and are directed through the struts to the inner hub interior for the purpose of reducing a bulk temperature differential between the outer casing and the inner hub and for providing a uniform temperature distribution within the inner hub. A first portion of the hot gases entering the inner hub flows continuously through passages extending through the inner hub forward wall and scrubs an exterior of the forward wall, using an annular shield attached to the inner hub, before re-entering the engine flowpath.

Abstract: An aerofoil vane actuation mechanism suitable for a gas turbine engine (10) comprises an annular array of pivotable aerofoil vanes (21) which are linked to an annular actuation member (30) by a plurality of levers (27). Each aerofoil vane (21) additionally has an indication lever (31) attached to it. Each indication lever (31) cooperates with the actuation member (30) so that under normal conditions, during pivoting of the vanes (21), no load transfer takes place between them. However in the event of one or more of the vanes (21) failing to pivot properly, such load transfer does take place. Means (37) are provided to detect such load transfer to provide an indication of such failure of a vane (21) to pivot properly.

Abstract: A noise cancellation device for a centrifugal blower comprises, in a first embodiment, a rod mounted in the output of a blower and generally axially parallel to the impeller so that as the impeller rotates, the blades of the impeller sweep past the rod much as in the manner that the blades sweep past the cutoff section of the blower output. The rod is positioned a specified distance away from the cutoff such that it generates a tone which interferes with the pure tone otherwise generated by the impeller blades sweeping past the cutoff in an out of phase condition to thereby eliminate the pure tone or "spike" normally experienced at a fundamental frequency and harmonics thereof. In a second embodiment, a nose-like projection extends inwardly from a sidewall of said blower housing and is positioned substantially in the same position as the rod of the first embodiment. The nose-like projection may be integrally formed as part of the blower housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood pump apparatus for blood components, comprising a housing forming a substantially cylindrical liquid chamber, an inlet port formed at an upper central portion of the housing and communicating with a source of blood component and the chamber, an outlet port formed in a peripheral portion of the housing and communicating with the chamber, a rotator arranged in the chamber and having an upper cover and a lower shroud, a lower surface of the upper cover being inclined such that an angle .theta.

Abstract: A multi-row rib diffuser is provided which comprises a first row of low ribs with relatively small height extending into regions of very low flow angle and a row of high ribs located behind the leading edge of the first row of ribs. The high ribs extend further into the region of the low flow angle and accept the connected flow from the low ribs as well as additional low angle flow not corrected by the low ribs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated rotor head for gyroplanes comprising a rigid central hub body (1), perpendicularly integrated with a drive shaft (2), each blade (3) being radially fixed to the hub body (1) by means of connecting and articulating components. These components each comprise:a spherical laminated elastomer stop (4) housed in the central hub body;a hollow sleeve (5) rigidly locked to the spherical laminated stop (4);an elastic return and drag damping brace (9) of the blade (3) arranged between the sleeve and the outer part of the rigid hub body (1) on a contiguous sleeve;a connecting and pitch articulation spindle (6) of the blade (3) connected to the foot of the blade (3) and a pitch lever (8) rigidly locked to the spindle (6) and which swivels about the pitch axis inside the sleeve (5) on two bearings, one of which at least forms a thrust stop (7) to transmit, from the spindle (6) in the sleeve (5), the thrust loads originating from the centrifugal forces on the blade (3).

Abstract: Liquid mixing impellers particularly designed for the chemical processing industry provide a generally axial flow when rotated in a first direction of rotation and provide a generally radial flow when rotated in the opposite direction of rotation. The blades are formed of sheet material with an edge which leads in the first direction of rotation being defined by a portion of the blade which is folded and turned in a chordwise sense through a limited extent back upon itself. The folded back leading edge forms a rearwardly facing concavity which faces the blade trailing edge. The power number in the radial flow rotation direction substantially exceeds the power number in the axial flow rotation direction.

Abstract: A pump control controls the rate at which liquid is pumped through a tube. The pump has a variable speed shaft with a roller thereon engaged with the tube between the tube inlet the tube outlet for pumping liquid from a supply toward the tube outlet when the pump shaft operates. A first sensor senses liquid at a first location in the tube and a second sensor senses liquid at a second location in the tube between the first location and the tube outlet. A vibratory beam is coupled with the tube between the first location and the second location. An electric circuit transfers energy to a magnet on the beam and induces a natural response in the beam and the tube.

Abstract: A user-replaceable pumping chamber for a consumer piston pump has a reciprocating piston seal secured to the end of a piston by a threaded fastener. The chamber further has a smooth-bored cylindrical sleeve surrounding the seal to form a cylindrical wall for the chamber. The seal is retained to the piston by a threaded shoulder screw and washer acting against an O-ring in an end face of the seal. The housing has an aperture providing access to the cylindrical sleeve to permit levering a worn sleeve out of the housing.

Abstract: A variable capacity wobbling swash plate type compressing apparatus is provided with a housing (10), and a cylinder block (12) arranged in the housing; the cylinder block being provided with cylinder bores arranged radially with respect to the central axis of the housing and equidistantly to one another; the cylinder bores receiving therein pistons (16) to be slidable therein. A drive shaft (20) is arranged in a crank chamber (18) so as to extend along the central axis of the housing, and supports thereon a swash plate (40, 44) capable of wobbling about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, and shoes (22) are arranged between the swash plate and the pistons for converting a rotation of the swash plate into reciprocation of the respective pistons.

Abstract: A compressor comprises a cylinder block having cylinder bores formed radially spaced from and circumferentially distributed equidistantly about the cylinder longitudinal axis. Pistons are slidably received in the respective bores for reciprocation therein executing alternately suction and discharge strokes. The compressor also has a discharge valve assembly for controlling discharge of a compressed fluid from each of the bores into a discharge chamber, which assembly is axially movable between a first position in which the assembly is abutted against an end wall of the block and a second position in which the assembly is spaced from the end wall of the block to define a narrow space therebetween to interconnect the bores with each other. When the assembly is pushed toward the second position by the pressure of the compressed fluid during initial running of the compressor, bypass channels interconnect the cylinder with the discharge chamber.

Abstract: In cryogenic applications a compression device circulates a fluid, such as helium, in a closed cooling circuit. The compression device includes at least one compressor, preferably a helical compressor, with a bypass valve connected in parallel thereto, which serves to decompress the compressed fluid. The suction pressure is measured with a pressure measuring device and is supplied to a control device, which controls the position of a powered valve spool of the compressor and also the position of the bypass valve. In order to achieve a high control performance with small bypass losses for load cases which are hard to predetermine, the positions of bypass valve and power valve spool are adjusted so that a fluid flow flows as a control reserve through the bypass valve and is on the order of a fraction of the total fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to motor-driven pumps (1) with turbine, driven by a fluid at high pressure, and more specially intended for the pumping of liquids and of laden liquids. The motor-driven pump (1) according to the invention comprises a rotating sleeve (15) mounted in line between two fixed rings (13, 14). To the internal surface of the sleeve (15) are secured pumping members (31, 32) such as helical vanes. The outer surface of the sleeve (15) forms the rotor of a turbine into which a pressurised fluid is injected radially in a centripetal manner, from a distribution volute (8).

Abstract: The discharge flow from a rotary vane pump is metered by directing a portion of the pump discharge back into the pump inlet area. A servo controlled actuator apportions the relative amounts of inlet fluid and returns fluid which enters the vane cavities. This arrangement allows for the use of a fixed cam which provides improved pump performance as compared to comparable movable cam pump designs.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump for slurry incorporating particulate solids in suspension to provide an initial inlet port opening clearance corresponding to the exposed area of overlap between the port and each corresponding cylinder opening sufficient to permit substantially uninterrupted passage of particulate solids at the commencement of each suction cycle, the cylinder openings and following the initial overlap the total cross-sectional flow area exposed to each of the ports is generally constant irrespective of the rotational position of the barrel within the housing such that a constant volummetric flow rate of the driving fluid tends to effect a corresponding substantially constant volummetric flow rate of the fluid to be pumped.

Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump comprises a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a means for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: A slurry pump for mixing concrete includes a charge funnel, a pair of discharge cylinders, and a discharge line operable with each other to form a slurry flow control. A control valve has an exit port connected with the discharge line and an entrance port that is alternatively positioned in front of an opening of each discharge cylinder. A pair of gate valve disks are positioned one on each side of the entrance port. The size of each gate valve disk conforms to a surface between the discharge cylinder openings such that in a change-over midpoint of the control valve the openings of the discharge cylinders are sealed off by the gate valve disks, and the entrance port and the control valve is sealed off on the surface between the discharge cylinders for the execution of a partial stroke a discharge cylinder piston which compresses the drawn in slurry. A compensation cylinder prevents slurry interruptions during the change-over the control valve.

Abstract: An inexpensive, efficient pump which can supply lubricating oil uses the revolving motion of an orbiting scroll 2. The pump is so constructed that a piston supported by a fixing member 1 is fitted in a cylinder chamber 102 formed in the inner surface of the end plate 21 of an orbiting scroll 2 which revolves while sliding on the fixing member, by which a pump chamber 104 is defined between them. The piston 101 is extended or retracted depending on the revolving motion of orbiting scroll 2, the volume of the pump chamber 104 is increased or decreased, and a fluid suction port 105 and a fluid discharge port 106 are connected to the pump chamber 104 at predetermined time intervals to supply the fluid.

Abstract: The same number of grooves 20 through 27 are provided in end surfaces 19a and 19b of a roller 19. The grooves 20 through 27 have communicating portions 20a through 27a which communicate with an inner peripheral side of the roller 19 and sealed portions 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f through 27b, 27c, 27d, 27e and 27f each of whose cross-sectional area decreases. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area is decreased in direction in which a lubricating oil flows, and a plurality of oil pressures can thus be obtained. This results in a fixed clearance of roller 19.

Abstract: A rotary slide vane machine has a housing with the inner contour of a Pascalian screw. The rotary piston is a hollow circular cylinder with an axis of rotation within the zero point M' of the Pascalian coordinates. The control shaft with eccentric segments is arranged inside the piston and has an axis of rotation within the center M of the Pascalian base circle. Slide vanes of a length L are guided within grooves of the rotary piston. Bearing bushings are rotatably guided on the eccentric segments and having flanges connected to the wings of the vanes. The length L is 6D+2r.sub.8s +2d.sub.61 +2e+2s (D is the diameter of the base circle, r.sub.8s the radius of the eccentric segments, d.sub.61 the wall thickness of the bearing sleeves, e the minimal displacement of the wing, and s the minimal distance between bearing sleeve and machine parts moving thereto). The flange contour is limited by an arc having the minimal distance s to the inner mantle surface of the rotary piston and by distance S'E'.sub.

Abstract: A gear pump in which a gear is secured to a shaft by a press fit and by a key which fits into a slot in the shaft. The key includes radially projecting ears which fit into keyways in the bore of the gear, the keyways having bottoms facing axially toward the bottom of the slot. A hot upset at the free end of the shaft clamps the key axially between the bottom of the slot and the bottom of the keyways. When the shaft/gear/key subassembly is assembled with the body and the end plate of the pump, the gear retention elements described above coact to positively prevent the shaft from being pulled out of the body and from being thrust inwardly into contact with the end plate.

Abstract: A tire curing press (20) according to the concepts of the present invention includes a pair of spaced mold cavities (MC), base assemblies (22, 23) for supporting lower mold sections (L) in the mold cavities, a cross beam assembly (100) for supporting upper mold sections (U) in the mold cavities, a center post assembly (201) substantially aligned between the centerline of the mold cavities, and a lift mechanism (215) positioned interiorly of the center post assembly for supporting and vertically moving the cross beam assembly to open and close the press. A roller guide assembly (230) is provided for stabilizing and effecting precision vertical movement of the cross beam assembly relative to the center post assembly, while a safety stop mechanism (275) precludes uncontrolled descent of the cross beam assembly from the press open position. A mold locking and clamping assembly (120) locks the mold section (L, U) and applies squeeze forces thereto when the press is closed for curing a tire.

Abstract: An extrusion calibrating apparatus connectable to external sources of cooling water and vacuum, and usable to calibrate the exterior profile of a hollow thermal plastic extrusion. The apparatus includes lower and upper cover plates each having a pair of vacuum manifolds therein, the lower cover plate being fixedly attachable to a stationary support. The apparatus further includes lower and upper vacuum plates each having a plurality of vacuum slots extending between a lower and an upper side thereof and in communication with a corresponding vacuum manifold. Each of the vacuum plates also has supply and return water channels providing communication between spaced-apart interior supply and return ports on an inward side thereof. A heat-conducting calibrating insert is removably positioned within an interior chamber between the vacuum plates with lower and upper sides in face-to-face juxtaposition with corresponding inward sides of the vacuum plates.

Abstract: A synthetic resin material feeding apparatus, for use in a system for forming a sealing liner on the inner surface of a top panel wall of container closure shell, has an extruder and a gear pump. The driving mechanisms of the extruder and the gear pump have an intermittent rotation-driving output for intermittently operating the extruder and the gear pump.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a heatable casting bed, a device for tensioning a reinforcement member at the casting bed, a finishing machine movable along the casting bed for casting a component, a cutter for cutting the reinforcement member, a plurality of roller trucks arranged like a train and of increasing height for wedge-like penetration between the component and the casting bed, a slider roller bed at a rear end of the plurality of roller trucks having a length equal to the casting bed length, an actuation device for generating relative motion between the roller trucks, sliding roller bed and casting bed, in order to transfer the component from the casting bed to the sliding roller bed, and a cutting station for cutting the component into segments.

Abstract: An unitary vacuum bag for forming of a fiber reinforced composite article, made of a curable elastomer, having molded in resin distribution means formed to the specific article to be made. Optional vacuum conduits are molded into the periphery of the bag, causing the bag to be adapted to any number of mold shapes. The vacuum bag is constructed upon that mold which forms the base for the construction of the desired fiber reinforced composite article. The bag contains an open sided, resilient main distribution conduit running laterally along the long axes of the vacuum bag with branch conduits, depending upon the shape of the mold, to provide for long distance flow of resin to all parts of the composite article. A multiplicity of cross channels are formed on the inner surface of the bag, covering most of the area under which the fiber lay up is placed within the mold.

Abstract: Encapsulation molding equipment includes individual mold bases each having an elongated shallow recess which receives strip-like carriers supporting semi-conductor chips and like objects for encapsulation. Cavity inserts having various numbers of cavities of different size and dimension individual to carriers having like numbers of chips of a range of size and dimension fit over the strips with each cavity on an insert surrounding the chip to be encapsulated. Gate and vent passages are formed on the surface of the insert spaced away from the mold base member for supply of resin from a central resin receptacle. The mold is completed by an upper mold insert plate which closes the mold and effects a seal between the mold parts and provides for delivery of encapsulating resin to the cavities in the cavity inserts. Each mold base has a plurality of recesses, each of which receives a carrier strip and a cavity insert.

Abstract: A compact disc labeling system for permanently imprinting a personalized label into the inner plastic ring of a compact disc. The invention includes a base member for receiving and securing a compact disc thereto, an interchangeable impact plate with outwardly protruding characters thereon corresponding to the personalized label and a handle member for compressing the impact plate against the inner plastic ring of a compact disc which has been secured to the base member. A thermostatically controlled heating system may be utilized to heat the interchangeable impact plate, thereby facilitating the penetration of the outwardly protruding characters into the inner plastic ring of the compact disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically forming a random rake finish on the surface of a cast panel utilizes counter rotating sets of tines which are projected into the material as a form is linearly moved. The apparatus thus is used to implement a unique method of providing a random rake or fuzzy finish on the surface of the cast panel.

Abstract: A disc molding apparatus capable of satisfactorily accomplishing release of a molded disc without any trouble to eliminate deformation of the disc during the release and improve quality, reliability and productivity of the disc. In the disc molding apparatus, an air inlet port is provided in proximity to an outer stamper holder of an outer ring for supplying air toward a central region of a disc molded in a cavity of a mold body from a periphery of the disc and a communication passage communicating with the air inlet passage is provided at the outer ring, so that air may be more uniformly blown against the disc during release of the disc from a stamper.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a new and improved internal core lifter for molding and ejecting plastic parts having undercuts. The preferred internal core lifter has a core blade with a first end configured to cooperate with the surfaces of the mold for molding a plastic part and for assisting in safe ejection of the plastic part. The core blade may be pivotally mounted at an opposite end for being disposed at a predetermined molding angle in a range of angles for accommodating various molding angles of mold apparatus. In ejecting the plastic part, the first end of the core blade moves horizontally away from the undercut while moving vertical to assist in safe ejection of the plastic part.

Abstract: A casing (12) of an injection molding machine including at least one hot runner nozzle (10) retains the same by its shaft (20) which extends into a mold insert (16) and which supports at least one nozzle tip (50, 50') that projects over the shaft up to an article (K) to be molded. The mold insert includes an undercut (70) into which the nozzle tips (50, 50') are inserted by a two-step movement, viz. e.g. in a first direction (S) approximately parallel and then in a transversal direction (Q) relative to the axis (A) of a flow tube (22) that is heatable from its outside. The nozzle tips (50, 50') are fixed to a shaft foot portion (38) so as not to contact the casing (12) or a wall (17) of the mold insert (16). A peripheral step (34) centers the shaft (20) whose high-strength foot portion (38) heat-conductively retains the nozzle tips (50, 50'). A thermally separating sleeve (36 ) joined to the foot portion (38) is continued towards the casing (12) by a heat-conducting envelope tube (30).

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for reducing NO.sub.x content of flue gas effluent from a furnace, the improvement comprising a burner assembly having a burner and flue gas recirculating system for collecting and passing internally recirculating flue gas into a combustion zone for reaction with a combustion flame. The burner preferably has a plurality of fuel dispensing nozzles peripherally disposed about the combustion zone to aspirate collected internally recirculating flue gas into the combustion zone, and has a plurality of fluid driven eductors to drive further amounts of collected internally recirculating flue gas into the combustion zone.

Abstract: A jet burner construction, a heating apparatus utilizing the jet burner construction and methods of making the same are provided, the jet burner construction comprising a burner body having a chamber therein and having an inlet leading to the chamber for directing fuel from a fuel source therein and an outlet leading from the chamber and defining an outlet opening through which the fuel is adapted to issue from the chamber to burn externally to the burner body, the burner construction having an insert disposed in the outlet opening, the insert having a central opening part passing therethrough and a plurality of spaced apart opening portions passing therethrough whereby flows of fuel respectively issuing out of the portions and the central part of the insert merge together in a turbulent manner externally of the outlet opening, the burner body being formed of two generally similar integral and one-piece body sections secured together in superimposed relation and each having generally one-half of the outlet op

Abstract: An apparatus for improving mass transfer in a multiple hearth furnace has a plurality of risers adjacent the furnace center shaft which are in fluid communication with a source of treatment fluid. The risers have radially extending branch pipes, each pipe having a plurality of downcomers corresponding to the rabbles on an adjacent rabble arm. The downcomers have outlets or nozzles at their distal ends and they are preferably located adjacent a rear face of the rabble, near a trailing edge. In operation, as the rabbles plough over the material on the furnace hearth, the downcomers inject a treatment fluid, such as steam or reducing gas, into the material at the point of stirring. This ensures full exposure of the material to the treatment fluid. A second embodiment places the outlets beneath the top surface of the material to be treated. A method for mass transfer on a rotary hearth furnace is also disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer boat used in a vertical CVD apparatus includes four columns fixed to upper and lower support plates. Each of the columns has a plurality of first grooves arranged at regular intervals in the vertical direction so as to place wafers in substantially parallel to each other, and a plurality of second grooves formed alternately with the first grooves. A plate ring is provided for each of the second grooves so as to improve the uniformity of thickness of a film to be formed on each wafer. Each ring has an outer diameter larger than that of a wafer, and an inner diameter smaller than that of the wafer. Each ring is placed such that there is a clearance for transferring each wafer between each ring and each wafer in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A light-curing apparatus for curing polymerizable material in the mouth is provided. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a wand which is substantially the same size as a quadrant or a full dental arch; in a second embodiment, the apparatus is in the shape of a dental tray and is adapted to fit over the outside of a dental tray; and in a third embodiment the light source comprises a portion (substantially the frame) of a double arch impression tray, and has a slide mechanism by which the mesh of a double arch impression tray can be removed from the light source so the light source can be reused. The invention also comprises a method for curing a dental material in the mouth using the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A dental impression tray is disclosed herein having a pair of spaced-apart arcuate walls having a common radial center and wherein the opposing wall surfaces define a work area for holding a quantity of dental impression material. A thin plastic embedded fibrous membrane or sheet extends across the work area having its opposite edges attached to the walls and separating the walls into upper and lower wall sections. One end of the walls may or may not support a wire element while the opposite walls' ends are open. The opposing wall surfaces carry a plurality of alternate vertical grooves and rod-like projections disposed in parallel and split horizontally by the fibrous membrane. The root of each projection includes a recessed portion in order to engage with the impression material and a handle attached to an outer wall of the pair outwardly extends anteriorly therefrom. A tongue suppressor structure may be integrated on an inner wall of the pair.

Abstract: A dental prophy cup includes an elastically flexible rim which includes a flexure region of reduced thickness. The rim thickness increases to a region of maximum thickness at a location forwardly of the flexure region and then tapers downwardly toward a front end of the rim. A forwardly facing surface of the cup which contacts the tooth surface comprises two convex surface portions joined by a radiused bridge surface portion located at the flexure region. Abrasive particles are distributed within the body of the cup and are released as the base material of the cup breaks down.

Abstract: A dental implant for holding a dental prosthesis in place, after implantation within a hole drilled in bone, includes an upper surface, a generally cylindrical portion with a plurality of longitudinal shallow grooves, and an apical portion. The shallow circumferential grooves permit bone to grow entirely therein, so that the entire exposed surface of the implant has bone adhered thereto. The apical portion has a continuous truncoconical surface for diffusing the stresses into the bone. The head and uppermost portion of the cylinder have a smooth metal surface to retard the attachment of bone after implantation, while the remaining portion of the implant has either a roughened metal surface or a bioactive coating, such as hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite, or a bioactive carbon for the purpose of promoting the attachment of bone.

Abstract: The improvement of the present invention pertains to a frustoconical abutment intended to overcome the problem of the implant's lack of parallelism. The abutment can be of the Allen-driven type or the through-screw type. Both engage with an implant ranging from partially to totally inserted below the gingival margin. The abutment of the Allen-driven type includes a threaded cavity that receives a threaded member of a prosthesis. The through-screw abutment includes a threaded through-opening that also receives the threaded member of a prosthesis. The frustoconical abutment permits a dentist to reduce the mass to end up with a resulting shape that will correct the lack of parallelism typically created by misaligned implants and allowing for more aesthetic form which mimics a natural tooth shape. This is particularly helpful when part of the implant's end protrudes from the gingival margin instead of submerged below it.

Abstract: A dental post is provided comprising a bottom section with cutting projections and a stem section. The cutting projections cut paths into the root canal walls to provide retention and anti rotation. A disk may be included which has projections on the bottom which cut pathways into the top of the root for optimal post support and root fracture resistance.

Abstract: A firearm training system is disclosed, which allows the measurement and display as a function of time of the hand grip force pattern applied to the grip of a firearm by a weapon hand of a shooter. This permits the detection of variations in the individual hand grip forces in the pattern during firing of the weapon. This firearm training system preferably also provides for the detection and display as a function of time of the position of the firearm trigger. The system includes separate force transducers for the side and front-to-back grip forces applied to the side surfaces and one of the front and back surfaces of the grip respectively as well as a trigger position sensor. A relative value of the hand grip forces detected by the transducers and a relative trigger position detected by the sensor are graphically displayed by the system as a function of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for multi-media simulation of the sounds, sights, and motions associated with various real life experiences. Roadable trailers having modules are combined to form a platform or support for an exoskeleton in the shape of various structures such as a spaceship, moon base, cave, mountain, vehicle, airplane, helicopter, ship, submarine, etc. The modules are provided with cameras, viewing screens, audio equipment and actual and optical motion imparting mechanisms for real-time point-of-access imagery simulating take-off, landing, turns, and hover-type turns from the environment surrounding the simulator. External image gathering cameras are attached to a movable support to provide relative motion point-of-access imagery.

Abstract: A system for displaying and selecting, a process for selecting, and a device for selecting hair dye shades, which allow the consumer to make a knowledgeable and informed hair dye selection. A horizontal or vertical axis along which hair dyes are arranged by similar colors and shades; another axis, perpendicular to the first axis, along which hair dyes are arranged by the length of duration of effect; a hair dye shade selector comprising color samples that each represent the haircolor that will result when hair of a particular color is treated with a particular hair dye are included; on-shelf consumer education and instruction materials regarding hair dye; display system indicators; and packaging indicators.

Abstract: A vocabulary board game is provided which consists of a game board, vowel cube playing pieces, a die, a color cube, a star cube, free pass tokens, point tokens, scoring method cards, vocabulary cards, playing position cards, a timer, pencils, pads of paper and storage files for the vocabulary cards. The object of the game is for a player to accumulate as many points as possible to beat the opponents by knowledge of vocabulary words, stopping on the player's own vowel space on the game board by the roll of the die and rolling a star on the star cube.

Abstract: A device and method for illustrating geometric shapes are disclosed which enables individuals to study and visualize the interrelation between geometric shapes and more particularly complementary geometric shapes such as tetrahedrons. The apparatus includes a plurality of tubes that pass through a central support member. Cords pass through the tubes, each cord having its ends connected, forming a closed loop. The tubes are movable within the support member. As the tubes are manipulated, the size and geometry of the visualized shapes are altered. In one embodiment, four tubes and three cords define two complementary tetrahedrons. When the tubes are manipulated to expand one tetrahedron, the complementary tetrahedron shrinks.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing a simulation of a flashover condition that can occur during the course of suppression of a live fire. The flashover simulation is implemented by selectively supplying and igniting fuel to an auxiliary or flashover fuel burner assembly positioned adjacent the ceiling of the burn room of a firefighter trainer. Preferably, the flashover simulation is implementable only upon attainment of a threshold value of one or more pre-selected trainer operational parameters that are monitored throughout the course of a training scenario. Preferred trainer operational parameters for such monitoring include flame height at a main burner assembly and air temperature adjacent to or near a ceiling portion of the burn room.

Abstract: A learning machine including an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a work station, etc., the information processing apparatus comprising: a learning target gainer for gaining a learning target of a learner from the learner; a comprehension degree gainer for gaining from the learner a learning comprehension degree of the learner for each of learning items; a learning contents selector for selecting, on the basis of the learning target gainer and the comprehension degree gainer, learning contents including the learning items to be learned by the learner and the learning target for each of the learning items; and a learning material display which fetches, on the basis of the learning contents selected by the learning contents selector, a learning material so as to display the learning material to the learner.

Abstract: A film circuit connector in which respective conductive tracks in film contact areas on front, mating faces are pressed together into electrical connection between side walls of a metal channel-section receptacle spring and a compressible elastomeric plug spring which engage respective rear faces of the films, the compressible plug spring providing a counter-force to the receptacle spring force, accommodating any variations in receptacle spring force arising longitudinally thereof, ensuring constant contact force between all tracks. Tabs for anchoring and grounding the receptacle spring to the circuit board are struck out and bent down from opposite walls of the receptacle spring, enabling electrical shielding of contact areas. Linking portions of conductive tracks connecting the mating contact portions on the front face of the film to board connecting portions, are formed on the rear face of the film for electrical and mechanical protection and may be insulated on all sides.