Abstract: A dual barrel speargun including an improved breach mechanism to prevent binding and an improved muzzle portion to increase speargun accuracy and decrease reload time. Also included is an improved safety mechanism whereby the safeties remain effective even after the triggers are partially depressed. The disclosed speargun is capable of converting from a fixed length tether to a spool type tether within seconds.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of set up and sighting-in an arrow rest used with an archery bow. The arrow rest includes a pivotal arrow launcher having vertically extending arrow support fingers. The method includes locating the arrow support fingers in a proper vertical position. Locking the launcher in this position against pivotal movement. Providing a position limit member for limiting the vertical movement of the arrow support fingers to the proper vertical position. Also providing a tensioning member for urging the arrow support fingers into the proper vertical position. Securing the limit member and tensioning member to a position to retain the arrow support fingers in the proper vertical position which partially corrects the shot Arrows Paradox. Mounting the pivotal arrow launcher to a member capable of horizontal adjustment and horizontally adjusting the horizontal adjusting member to properly locate the arrow support fingers horizontally of the bow.

Abstract: There is disclosed a modification in the control circuitry of a gas furnace having a primary or main limit whereby the primary circuit subsumes the functions of a the secondary or manual reset limit circuit. The control circuit incorporates a microprocessor capable of sensing conditions in the furnace, enabling and disabling the various furnace components.

Abstract: A cooktop has a recessed portion surrounding a burner opening. The recessed portion includes bosses with grate supporting surfaces below the upper surface of the cooktop, and dams with vertical inner surfaces. A grate has a rectangular base with a vertical side wall and a bottom edge. The grate is mounted in the recessed portion, aligned with the burner opening, with the base bottom edge resting on the grate supporting surfaces of the bosses and with the grate side wall adjacent the vertical inner surfaces of the dams. The base includes tabs aligned with the dams and extending downwardly to provide greater height at the portions of the side wall aligned with the dams.

Abstract: A wind guiding disk of a kitchen smoke exhauster comprises a first element and a second element. The first and the second elements are made of heat-resisting material by injection molding. The first element has a first bottom flat collar provided with a first inner upright collar and a first outer upright collar which is provided with an opening and a wind guiding tube portion for being fastened to a bottom plate of the kitchen smoke exhauster. The second element has a second bottom flat collar provided with a second inner upright collar and a second outer upright collar. The second element is fitted into the second element such that the bottom of the second bottom flat collar is located on the top of the stopping collar of the first element, and that a passage is formed between the first inner upright collar and the second inner upright collar.

Abstract: A treating instrument for medical treatment, comprises an insertion section to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient, biopsying forceps provided at a distal end of the insertion section, a pair of cups provided at the forceps, a grip member connected to an operator-end side of the insertion section; a drive unit provided on the distal end of the insertion section and generating a drive force for the cups, a conduction circuit for carrying electric current through the drive unit, and an operation switch interposed at lead wires of the conduction circuit.

Abstract: A biomedical monitoring or stimulating electrode that adheres to a person's skin is disclosed. The electrode is made of a thin, flat flexible material and includes a die-cut patch having a non-conductive adhesive coating applied on one side of the patch, a foundation component formed into four integral functional areas, a conductive component made up of an electrically conductive material with three contiguous portions, and a conductive media. Also disclosed is a connector that interfaces with a tab portion of the electrode. The connector includes an electrically conductive element having an inclined surface upon which the tab of the electrode rests. A slider is movable between two positions such that when in its closed position, the electrode neck and head is trapped in the connector and the slider exerts a force on the inclined surface of a cavity of the connector, providing electrical connection to electrode.

Abstract: A pulmonary sample collection apparatus and method are provided for the sanitary collection of pulmonary sputum samples otherwise referred to as sputum induction, without allowing escape of infectious pathogenic microbes into the ambient air. The present invention is conveniently and safely usable in outpatient settings, such as doctors' offices and laboratories. The apparatus entirely encloses the patient in a chamber. The chamber is equipped with an air exchange blower which produces within the closed chamber controlled negative air pressure. The chamber is equipped with a replacable exhaust filter unit with which to trap airborne pathogens and other potentially harmful particles. The negative internal air pressure acts to facilitate sealing the chamber to prevent escape of substantially all airborne infectious particles from the chamber.

Abstract: A sump for an anaesthetic vaporiser comprises a vaporising chamber for liquid anaesthetic agent, a heater for liquid anaesthetic agent contained within the chamber, and a partition member of which at least a portion extends into the chamber to entrap a portion of liquid anaesthetic agent at a location in close proximity to the heater, the member having a partition outlet for anaesthetic agent vapor through the partition member at a position above the maximum level of anaesthetic agent within the partition member. The partition member allows a portion only of liquid anaesthetic agent within the vaporizing chamber to be heated, so that the temperature required of the liquid agent for operation of the vaporiser can be reached rapidly. The sump finds particular application in connection with the use of low boiling point anaesthetic agents such as 2 -(difluoromethoxy) 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: An inhaler (2) is used with dry pharmaceutical-containing capsules (8) carried by a cassette (6) within the body of the inhaler. The inhaler defines an air path from an air inlet (40) to an air/pharmaceutical outlet (36). The air path passes a dispensing position (48) at which capsules are positioned successively. To dispense the pharmaceutical both ends of an elongated capsule are pierced with spikes (44, 46). The patient then places in his or her mouth over the outlet, inhales and draws air through the inlet, axially through and along the breached capsule at the dispensing position and pulls a mixture of air and powdered pharmaceutical through the outlet and into the lungs. To aid entrainment of the dry pharmaceutical (104) into the air stream, a vibration mechanism, such as an imbalanced rotor (24) adjacent the air inlet which rotates and vibrates due to the passing air, is used.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device adapted to accurately deliver a selected concentration of a primary gas in a diluent gas, such as ambient air. The device of the invention includes a hollow diluter body having generally opposed ports for the ingress of a primary stream of gas and the egress of a dilution stream of gas. The interior of the body defines a dilution chamber and a vent chamber, both of which are open to the egress port. The top wall of the body is provided with a port for communication between the dilution chamber and the exterior of the body. A vent port in the housing provides communication between the vent chamber and the exterior of the device. Pressure sensitive sealing means normally closes the vent chamber to prevent communication between the chamber and the exterior of the device and is operative responsive to pressure in the vent chamber to open and allow communication between the vent chamber and the exterior of the device through the vent port.

Abstract: A face mask assembly and method of use having a housing and a replaceable filter mounted in said housing. A fan means draws air into a plenum chamber defined by said housing and said filter for this air to pass into a facial breathing area. An outlet check valve is provided, and a primary filter through which air passes before entering said plenum chamber.

Abstract: An improved intratracheal tube for ventilating the lungs of a patient is disclosed. The tube is generally triangular in crossection to facilitate insertion of the tube through the glottis of the patient. In addition, the tube has at least one lumen which is located anterior of the ventilation lumen in the tube.

Abstract: A sensor positioning aid includes a concavely curved transparent dish having a shape congruent with a lower surface of a sensor, and locating means on the dish for establishing external reference positions in relation to the dish. The locating means preferably includes a rim around the dish and markings on the dish. The positioning aid is placed at a selected location on the head, and the sensor is aligned to the head by aligning it to the rim of the positioning aid. The positioning aid is removed, and the head translated in relation to the sensor to place it closely adjacent to the sensor, without reorienting the sensor. The placement aid is removed and measurements are taken using the sensor. If necessary, the sensor is thereafter reoriented by reference to the markings.

Abstract: Implantable biomedical sensor device for measuring in vivo the presence and/or concentration of physiological substances, such as the concentration of glucose, in a human or animal body. A miniaturized electronic responder (1) arranged in a closed housing (2) of biocompatible material in an electromagnetic interrogation field is capable of contactlessly exchanging binary coded information with a transmitter/receiver, and includes electrical connections (4, 5, 6) passed through the wall of the housing, at least a work electrode (10), a counter-electrode (8) and preferably also a reference electrode (9) outside the housing. The work electrode includes a membrane (13) with hollow fibers extending transversely to the surface of the membrane and having internal walls coated with a conductive polymer (15) and in which a redox enzyme (16) is disposed.

Abstract: A hypoxia monitor is incorporated into the headphones worn by a pilot. The hypoxia monitor is preferably a pulse oximeter which provides a noninvasive monitoring of blood levels of the pilot. The pulse oximeter probe is mounted on the ear seal of the headphone so that it contacts the skin beneath the ear of the pilot. The probe is wired through the headphone wires and attaches to a monitor mounted in the panel of the airplane. The monitor provides a visual and audio signal if the blood level of the pilot decreases significantly. This will alert the pilot to either reduce his altitude or provide additional oxygen for the cockpit area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the determination of an analyte or multiple analytes in blood using information derived from the differential optical absorption spectra of blood. Specifically, the information is derived from the differential spectra of tissue before and immediately after the volume of blood in the tissue has been changed.

Abstract: A system for determining the hematocrit transcutaneously and noninvasively. Disclosed are a finger clip assembly and an earlobe clip assembly, each including at least a pair of emitters and a photodiode in appropriate alignment to enable operation in either a transmissive mode or a reflectance mode. At least two, and preferably three, predetermined wavelengths of light are passed onto or through body tissues such as the finger, earlobe, or scalp, etc. and the extinction of each wavelength is detected. Mathematical manipulation of the detected values compensates for the effects of body tissue and fluid and determines the hematocrit value. If a fourth wavelength of light is used which is extinguished substantially differently by oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin and which is not substantially extinguished by plasma, then the blood oxygen saturation value, independent of hematocrit, may be determined.It is also disclosed how to detect and analyze multiple wavelengths using a logarithmic DC analysis technique.

Abstract: A local RF and gradient coil for acquiring images of the human brain using fast NMR pulse sequences includes an end capped RF bird cage coil surrounded by a 3 axis gradient coil assembly. An RF shield is disposed between the RF coil and the gradient coils and it is divided into separate segments to reduce eddy currents induced by the changing gradient fields.

Abstract: Acoustic imaging balloon catheters formed by a disposable liquid-confining sheath supporting a high fidelity, flexible drive shaft which carries on its end an ultrasound transducer and includes an inflatable dilatation balloon. The shaft and transducer rotate with sufficient speed and fidelity to produce real time images on a T.V. screen. In preferred embodiments, special features that contribute to the high fidelity of the drive shaft include the particular multi-filar construction of concentric, oppositely wound, interfering coils, a pre-loaded torque condition on the coils enhancing their interfering contact, and dynamic loading of the distal end of the probe, preferably with viscous drag. The coil rotating in the presence of liquid in the sheath is used to produce a desirable pressure in the region of the transducer.

Abstract: A method (10) for suppressing the maternal electrocardiograph (MECG) signal from a composite abdominal ECG including an MECG signal, an fetal ECG (FECG) signal and noise to obtain a substantially MECG-free FECG trace. The method (10) of the present invention includes the placement of a plurality of electrodes (26) about the periphery of the mother to detect a substantially pure MECG (12) and a composite MECG+FECG signal (14). A scalp electrode (32A), which is invasive to the fetus (72), and an intrauterine catheter electrode (32B), which is non-invasive to the fetus (72), may be alternately used to detect the signal (14), both electrodes (32A,32B) being invasive to the mother. A preprocessor (34) converts the signals (12,14) obtained by the individual electrodes (26,32A,32B) attached to, or invasive to, the mother (70) into appropriate electrical or digital signals for MECG suppression, and selectively performs a filtering operation to remove noise and other distortions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a measure of the depth of anaesthesia. A series of R-waves are analyzed using circular statistics to derive a measurement vector length representing the R--R variation of the sample. The Rayleigh Test is applied to determine a reference vector length from a predetermined probability level and the number of R-waves in the analyzed series. The measurement vector length is compared to the reference vector length to derive a measure of the death of anaesthesia.

Abstract: A body composition analyzer provides the resistive and reactive components of a body's measure impedance as well as body fat information and ideal weight information. The analyzer includes an analog circuit under the control of a microprocessor for providing signals to the microprocessor that are representative of the voltage across the network formed by the body and of the voltage across a reference network of known impedance that is connected in series with the body network. The microprocessor calculates the body networks impedance as a function of the ratio of the body network voltage and reference network voltage signals to provide extremely accurate results. The body composition analyzer is a hand-held unit that can transmit data to a peripheral device for recording via a wireless communication network. The analyzer is further programmable so that various algorithms and constants stored therein can be updated.

Abstract: The invention provides a cochlear response audiometer, and new methods for signal generation, detection and processing. The invention preferably uses bone conducted sound, applied to the mastoid, forehead, or any other place with good mechanical contact to the skull, via a vibrator. The bone conducted sound stimulates the cochlea via the skull. The stimulus also produces a sound in the ear canal, but at a very low level, so there is no high level stimulus signal and ringing travelling toward the cochlea at the same time as the cochlear response is travelling back into the ear canal. The responses from the cochlea are recorded, preferably by using a differential amplifier input circuit for the microphone when air-borne response signals are used, and the responses are processed in a way which compensates for the stimulus artefact, by subtracting a scaled-down version of the cochlear response to a large stimulus from the cochlear response to a moderate stimulus.

Abstract: A blood sampling system including a sampling device located in line is provided. The sampling device provides an access port that allows undiluted blood to be sampled automatically by insertion of a luer. The sampling device can have a number of different structures, for example, a swing valve, a ball valve, or a breakable seal for normally closing the sample port until a nozzle of the luer blood collector is forcibly inserted into the sample port.

Abstract: A medical guidewire includes a distal end for entering and navigating in a lumen. The distal end comprises a core having a length for navigating the guidewire in the lumen. A formable distal tip is included at the distal end of the core, and a sleeve element substantially surrounds the core over less than a majority of the length of the core. The sleeve element is rotatable with respect to the core, and is offset proximally of the formable distal tip such that the formable distal tip is movable independently of the sleeve element. The sleeve element is positively coupled to the core such that the sleeve element and the core move substantially conjointly axially within the lumen. An improvement for improving navigability of a medical guidewire in a lumen is also provided. The improvement comprises a sleeve element separate from and disposed around the core. The sleeve element is rotatable with respect to the core. Multiple sleeve elements may be provided on a single core.

Abstract: A surgical hand support apparatus having a base block with a finger securing assembly that includes two uprights, a center post positioned between the uprights, a cross member interconnecting the uprights and positioned around the center post and a locking mechanism mounted on the center post to lock the cross member against the fingers of the patient. A thumb securing assembly is also mounted to the base block, the thumb securing assembly includes a standard support member secured to the base block and a hook shaped rod rotatably mounted in the standard support member, the standard support member defining a slot through which a post extending from the side of the base block extends allowing the standard support member and associated hook shaped rod to be reciprocated for selective positioning around the thumb of the patient. A wrist securing assembly, is incorporated having a plurality of brackets slidably mounted to the base block and a cylindrical cross bar mounted in the uprights.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for attaching tendons, ligaments, or other tissue to bone, which includes the use of adjustable head members positioned along filament members. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for mending breaks in tissue such as skin or meniscal layers tissue such as skin or meniscal layers skin by use of similar elements.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for manipulating parts of the body in surgical procedures, particularly useful for peritoneal distension in laparoscopic surgery. The apparatus comprises a positionable support structure having an extendible horizontal arm rotatably mounted to an extendible vertical post, the post having a clamp at its lower end for mounting to a surgical table. An end segment at the distal end of the horizontal arm has a mount for mounting end-of-arm tooling, for example, peritoneal distension instruments. Locking mechanisms are disposed in the horizontal arm, vertical post and end segment to lock the support structure in a desired position. A motor is disposed within the vertical post for power-assisted extension and retraction of the vertical post. Preferably, the locking mechanisms and motor are controllable using switches mounted on the end segment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling energy flow into a heating load array of a smoking article are provided. In response to a pressure drop in the mouthpiece of the smoking article, a selected load in the heating load array is switchably connected to a power supply. Energy delivered to the load is measured and the load is disconnected when a predetermined amount of energy has been delivered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tobacco and more particularly to a process for preparing a moist snuff product and the stabilization thereof to reduce the level of microflora bacteria and to provide normal tasting products with extended shelf-lives.

Abstract: A method which can be done in a procedure of separating a small area of nail bed flesh from the nail plate's underside, where the nail plate and nail bed join, at the forefront, to an extent back toward the base of the fingernail. A visible convex line (10), across the top of the nail plate, visible due to the translucency of the nail plate, where the nail plate and nail bed join, indicates the precise location of the forefront of the nail bed, thus of the nail bed flesh. A second and identical line, simulated convex line (12), just below and adjacent to line (10), on the nail plate (20), indicates the extent to which the nail bed flesh is separated. An intermediate area (18), formed in a concavo-convex shape, between the two identical convex lines, is the area of separation of nail plate and nail bed flesh; extending the full width of the nail bed, and from approximately 0.5 or 0.7 mm, up to approximately 2.0 mm longitudinally of the nail bed.

Abstract: A method of producing a decorative generally cylindrical band is provided. This method generally involves arranging a plurality of elongated pliable members such that they equiangularly extend in a radially outward direction from a common center. A first member is then folded over any adjacent members such that the direction in which the first member extends is shifted by approximately .THETA.+.THETA./2.degree., where .THETA. is the angle defined between any two adjacent pliable members. The next member is then folded over any adjacent members such that it extends in a direction which is shifted approximately .THETA.+.THETA./2.degree.. This braiding process continues until each of the pliable members except the last has been folded. The last pliable member is then folded over any adjacent members and under the first member such that the last member also extends in a direction which is shifted approximately .THETA.+.THETA./2.degree.. These steps are continued until a desired length of band is attained.

Abstract: A bendable hair curling and waving roller has a length of bendable wire which is surrounded by a cylindrical foam cushion intermediate its ends and the wire and cushion are enclosed in an outer jacket of non-absorbent, machine washable material, such as satin, silk, or a satin-like synthetic fiber material. The wire is bendable yet has sufficient stiffness to enable it to retain its bent shape. The foam cushion gives the roller softness, enabling the wearer to lay her head against another surface with comfort. Hair is wrapped around the central portion of the roller and the outer ends of the roller are folded back onto itself to retain the wrapped hair in this position. The hair is held on the non-absorbent surface of the outer jacket by the inward folded ends until the hair has been set to the desired wave or curl and the non-absorbent outer jacket prevents depletion of hair's natural oils and moisture.

Abstract: A pallet cleaner especially suitable for use in cleaning plastic pallets. The cleaner includes a vertically oriented horizontally extending chamber having a vertically oriented entry opening at one end of the chamber and a vertically oriented exit opening at the other end of the chamber. The pallets are loaded on edge into the chamber through the vertically oriented entry opening, moved through the chamber on edge while a heated pressurized fluid is directed against the upper and lower sides of the pallet, and thereafter are moved on edge out of the chamber through the exit opening. The cleaner further includes wheels so that the cleaner is portable and may be rolled to the site of pallets to be cleaned rather than requiring the pallets to be cleaned to be brought to the site of the cleaner.

Abstract: A system for cleaning both the box and pin ends of tubular members, recovery of the fluid residue, filtering of the residue to recover the heavy solids, and disposing of each of the components of the residue in an environmentally safe manner. A first housing positionable over the end of a tubular member; a first bladder expandable from the housing to seal around the outer wall of the tubular member; a plurality of jets positioned adjacent the threads of the tubular member, so that as the jets are rotated around the threads, a high pressure fluid spray cleans the threads of the member; a second bladder expandable from the end of the jetting means for sealing the inner bore of the member beyond the threads, so that all fluid jetted into the housing from the jetting nozzles is captured within the housing and flows from the housing, and no fluid flows beyond the threaded pipe end either along the inner or outer walls of the tubular member.

Abstract: An improved joint mechanism for an umbrella which has a first connecting device which includes a shaft member which has a channel through its length and is capable of sleeving onto a rib member and a saddle portion with a U-shaped configuration disposed at the middle portion of the shaft member. A second connecting device defines a connecting tube suitable for fixing a tip portion of a stretcher and a yoke portion having a supporting beam which can be rotatably received by the saddle portion of the first connecting device.

Abstract: A tent, comprising an awning, is supported by a bicycle arranged in a principal plane to form at least one crest line. The bicycle is spanned on both sides of the principal plane by spanning means being anchored in the ground and being attached to said awning, particularly by means of cords and tent pegs.

Abstract: A valve body has three openings: an inlet, an outlet and a flow-back opening, and is provided with an obturator of the flow-back opening and an obturator of the outlet, which outlet obturator is connected by means of a stem with a piston housed in a cylinder communicating with the outlet through a conduit. A recycling conduit places the outlet in communication with a recycling chamber communicating with the flow-back opening through a recycling opening closed by a third obturator, the recycling opening being freed by action of a rod solid to and intervening in conjunction with the second obturator.

Abstract: A valve with a backflow preventer has a valve housing with a fluid inlet, a main flow channel, and a fluid outlet formed therein. A valve element is provided in the valve housing to selectively actuate the valve. The valve element is rotatable between an open position in which a fluid flow path exists between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet along the main flow channel and a closed position in which no fluid flow path exists between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A chamber is formed in the valve housing in a position which is offset from the main flow channel. The chamber has an opening in fluid communication with the atmosphere, and a ball is provided in the interior of the chamber. The ball is movable between a first position in which the ball prevents fluid backflow from the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet and a second position in which the ball substantially blocks the opening in the chamber.

Abstract: An engine fuel line flow control mechanism utilizing a valve located within a fuel line. The valve includes a seat and a movable seal which is capable of regulating the flow of fuel through the fuel line. An actuator is linked to the valve and may include a piston found within a chamber which is connected to the seal of the valve. The piston is also connected to an engine manifold pressure conduit such that the piston moves in response to changes in manifold pressure of the engine.

Abstract: A device receives a volatile fluid, then separates the vapor phase portion from the liquid phase portion in a separation chamber, and then provides separate paths from the separation chamber to a selective outlet ring across liquid and gas orifices for each outlet in the ring, where the divided gas and liquid are recombined, thereby enhancing the equal distribution of the fluid.

Abstract: A single-control valve has a normally stationary valve plate formed with hot- and cold-water inlet ports and an outlet port opening at a flat face of the valve plate and a movable control plate having a flat face lying on the valve-plate face and formed with a cavity opening at the control-plate face and juxtaposable over the ports. at least one of the plates and its surface are formed of a hard ceramic, and at least the surface of the other of the plates is formed of a low-friction synthetic resin. The low-friction synthetic resin is polyethylene or polypropylene.

Abstract: A repair device for the in situ repair of a pipe comprises an assembly of at least four short cylindrical, inflatable members 1, 2, 3, 4, which are interconnected by articulated rods 5 which are each articulated by means of a cardan joint 6. When in the pipe, the inflatable members define a cavity 10 for receiving a filler material 7'. Ducts 8 are provided for individually connecting the inflatable members to a source of compressed inflating fluid, and a duct 22 is provided for conveying the filler material to the cavity 10. The outermost inflatable members are provided with attachments for securing a cable or chain 9 thereto. This construction permits the complete and continuous repair of the pipe during advancement of the assembly of inflatable members, even in the region of shoulders 12, internal projections 13, connections with lateral pipelines 14, or bends 12', while ensuring that the injection chamber 10 remains filled with filler material 7'.

Abstract: A reinforced hose has an inner tube made of rubber, an inner reinforcing layer made of aromatic polyamide yarn formed on the inner tube, an intermediate layer made of rubber formed on the inner reinforcing layer, an outer reinforcing layer made of synthetic yarn formed on the intermediate layer which has a heat shrinkage ratio at dried condition of over about 0.5% due to the temperature of a curing process, and a covering layer made of rubber being formed on the outer reinforcing layer. By providing the inner reinforcing layer of aromatic polyamide yarn, the reinforced hose of the present invention has a high stretching strength. Furthermore, by making the outer reinforcing layer of synthetic yarn, which has a heat shrinkage ratio at dried condition of over about 0.5% due to the temperature of a curing process, the reinforced hose of the present invention can hardly be expanded by the pressure of inside fluid.

Abstract: A quick change assembly for a tire cord fabric loom utilizes a pattern of warp ends which are threaded through suitable harnesses. The pattern in the harnesses is placed in the loom and the individual warp ends are pulled back to a plurality of creel combs which are secured to the creel and which each receive and guide a group of warp strands from the creel. These warp strands are directed to the loom and are formed into the tire cord fabric having the desired pattern.

Abstract: A method and device for producing a wave winding includes a stationary template which has a specific number of radially projecting arms corresponding to a specific number of waves desired on the wave winding. A winding nozzle through which a wire is fed is revolved by a revolving device along a winding path about the template. A respective forming element located between adjacent ones of the arms of the template and external to the winding path includes a wire engaging end adjacent the winding path. A moving device moves respective wire engaging ends of the forming elements to engage the winding wire and to push the winding wire inward between respective sequential adjacent arms of the template during each revolution of the winding nozzle about the template.

Abstract: A conventional tie-wrap is tightened and cut in a one-step operation by a tool having gripping and actuating handles pivotally secured together and a pair of guiding plates movably mounted to side panels of the actuating handle by three axle bolts which also serve to secure a blade, a tensioning spring and a torsion spring. When the handles are compressed together against the bias of the torsion spring, a bracing block secured to the gripping handle grips the tie-wrap while the actuating handle tightens the wrap around the articles to be secured. Further compressing of the actuating handle causes the blade to be urged towards the tie-wrap against the bias of the tensioning spring to cut the wrap.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing 6 is secured to the bottom surface of an elevatable filling liquid tank 2, and a liquid injection pipe 16 is mounted on the bottom of the housing 6. An exhaust pipe 18 axially passes through the housing 6 and the liquid injection pipe 16, and is disposed for elevating movement. The exhaust pipe 18 is driven by an elevating mechanism 21. A holder 54 carrying a bottle mouth stuffing 52 is fitted in the housing 6, and is urged down by a spring 61. The bottle mouth stuffing 52 tightly engages the mouth of a vessel which is being raised as carried on a vessel receptacle, and accordingly its position is determined by the height of the vessel. The position of the liquid injection pipe 16 and the exhaust pipe 18 is modified in accordance with the elevation of the tank 2, independently from the bottle mouth stuffing 52. Accordingly, a void which remains in the top of the vessel after the vessel is filled with the liquid is adjusted only in accordance with the elevation of the tank 2.

Abstract: A thin plate cutting/joining apparatus includes a cutting apparatus for pressing the front end of a following thin plate and the rear end of a preceding thin plate together and cutting the pressed front and rear ends of the thin plates in stepped scarf shapes; an adhesive coating apparatus for coating an adhesive on the cut surfaces of the end portions of the thin plates; and a joining apparatus for pushing the thin plates coated with the adhesive against each other and vertically pressing them, so as to joining the end portions of the thin plates.