Abstract: A method for determining the size of the open area of a vacuum valve for use in a die casting operation is disclosed. The invention determines the size primarily as a function of the total length of the exterior parting lines of the die. Apparatus for producing die castings is disclosed which has a vacuum valve with a specified open flow area.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow having a block made of deformable material, the block having a substantially quadrilateralperimeter, an upper surface of the block having a substantially airfoil-shaped reverse curved surface, and a groove being provided in the upper surface, the groove being sized and adapted to accommodate the cervical vertebrae of a user of the orthopedic pillow. A sizing kit for determining an appropriate size of orthopedic pillow for use by a patient is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to measure a plurality of physical attributes of a human body in relation to the values of these attributes in a theoretically ideal human body. In one embodiment, by means of a novel proportional panel and measurement guide, a wide range of human body heights can be accommodated in a single measuring structure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the determination of the shape of a flat section of fabric prior to application of the fabric to a curved surface.

Abstract: A method of selecting values for parameters in a calibration map used to correct for measurement errors. The locations of points in a grid on an uncalibrated calibration plate are measured for different orientations of the calibration plate. The parameters in the calibration map and the parameters relating the orientations of the calibration plate are determined to minimize the deviation from congruence of the image under the calibration map of the grid in each orientation. The orientations should be related by rigid motions having rotation axes that are separated sufficiently to remove uncertainties in the calibration which arise if the rotation axes are all collinear or nearly collinear.

Abstract: Line indicating apparatus is provided which is capable of suspending an elongated line indicator whereby it is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to its linear axis, and is rotatable around a second axis which is angularly disposed with respect to the linear axis and the said direction of movement. A plurality of the basic apparatus may be arranged in a superimposed relationship, and the resultant plurality of superimposed line indicators may be individually moved and/or rotated to positions wherein they are angularly disposed with respect to each other. Preferably, the line indicators are movable and rotatable in closely adjacent fixed planes so that a substantially distortion-free image thereof may be produced and visually displayed.The line indicating apparatus is especially useful in navigational charting or plotting, and in navigational devices pertaining thereto.

Abstract: A decubitus ulcer, more commonly referred to by a layman as a bedsore, is brought on by continued pressure of a body area where the overlying skin in the area is poorly padded. The most vulnerable areas are the elbows, tailbone, hips, knees, ankles, heels and shoulder blades. The only evaluation of the existence of such an ulcer is solely by record keeping of "eyeball" evaluation.

Abstract: A microscopic length scale typically about 50 .mu.m long and graduated in several intervals ranging from 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. The scale is useful in calibrating the magnification of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and other electron imaging instruments. The scale comprises alternating layers of two metals deposited on a substrate. The two metals have substantially different electron emission coefficients to provide contrasting emission signals when scanned by an electron beam. One of the metals, preferably gold, is deposited in uniform layers about 40-80 nm thick. The other metal, preferably nickel, is deposited in several layers ranging from 1 .mu.m or so thick near the substrate to 20 .mu.m thick in the outermost layer. The resultant multilayer composite is cut into one or more samples and each sample is mounted on edge. The exposed edge is ground and metallographically polished and a microscopic indentation is made in the substrate near the first gold layer.

Abstract: A direction finding device employs a magnetic field sensor utilizing a vibrating magnetic reed switch with adjustable magnetic bias to vary the sensitivity or dead band. By sensing magnetic North, it indicates audibly, visually or by nerve stimulus any departure from a preset course. When attached to a moving object or person it serves as a warning or guidance system.

Abstract: A predetermined symmetrical pattern is sewn on a canvas by applying a flexible adhering sheet having printed thereon indications of a gridwork corresponding to the gridwork of the canvas. The flexible sheet is of substantially smaller area than the canvas and indicates STITCHES and paths to be followed. The edges of the flexible sheet gridwork are aligned with the canvas gridwork while they are joined together. The canvas is then sewn with a first set of stitches to establish paths and STITCHES illustrated by the paths on the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is removed and a second set of stitches is sewn to complete the paths established by the first set of stitches.

Abstract: A microscopic length scale typically about 50 .mu.m long and graduated in veral intervals ranging from 1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m. The scale is useful in calibrating the magnification of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and other electron imaging instruments. The scale comprises alternating layers of two metals deposited on a substrate. The two metals have substantially different electron emission coefficients to provide contrasting emission signals when scanned by an electron beam. One of the metals, preferably gold, is deposited in uniform layers about 40-80 nm thick. The other metal, preferably nickel, is deposited in several layers ranging from 1 .mu.m or so thick near the substrate to 20 .mu.m thick in the outermost layer. The resultant multilayer composite is cut into one or more samples and each sample is mounted on edge. The exposed edge is ground and metallographically polished and a microscopic indentation is made in the substrate near the first gold layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and method for measuring the angle of repose of a granular material. The device is composed of a rectangular body having an open ended partition dividing the body into two cells. A sample of granular material is placed in one cell and allowed to flow from one cell into the other cell under the influence of gravity. Both the static and dynamic angle of repose can be determined.