Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: High molecular weight forms of therapeutic proteins are disclosed which are single-polypeptide-chain proteins that contain the same or similar therapeutic activity as the therapeutic protein. In particular, high molecular weight forms of the human bFGF angiogenic factor are disclosed which are single-polypeptide-chain proteins having at least one active site possessing an activity selected from the group consisting of mitogenic activity, chemotactic activity, angiogenic activity, neurotrophic, activity, the ability to stimulate protease synthesis and combinations thereof. The high molecular weight angiogenic factors exhibit substantial homology to and are immunologically equivalent to the native high molecular weight forms isolatable from human hepatoma cells. The high molecular weight angiogenic factors are produced by DNA translation initiating at non-ATG codons and incorporate additional polypeptide sequences N-terminal to the human bFGF factor.

Abstract: A modular recycling container is disclosed. The container is hoistable, stable, relatively animal-proof, weather-tight, lightweight, inexpensive, and capable of modular clustering. The container may be hexagonal or roughly cylindrical on one horizontal axis with a flattened base. The container is fabricated from a lightweight plastic material such as fiberglass reinforced polyester. The container includes a hoisting attachment and a trap door bottom so that the doors on the hoisted container can be opened to release the contents into a larger container such as a truck.

Abstract: A mechanically pressurized system for dispensing a product, including a cap that houses a piston, an actuator attached to the cap so as to form a dispensing head assembly, and an expandable reservoir that is mechanically charged by the piston and dispensing head to hold a product for discharge through the dispensing head. The dispensing system is able to produce an aerosol spray without a chemical propellant.

Abstract: A dynamic splint which braces any joint and particularly any body joint, and which is capable of cyclically moving the joint through a programmable range of motion while accommodating normal joint component motion and triplanar motion. In a preferred embodiment, a set of inner joint segments nest within a set of outer joint segments and are pivotally attached thereto. An extendable cable slidably attached to the outer joint segments causes a pivoting of the outer joint segments with respect to the inner joint segments and a consequent flexing and extending of the joint.

Abstract: A data entry and retrieval system utilizing a plurality of remote units in radio communication with a plurality of base units in electronic communication with a central processing computer. The base units establish links with transmitting remote units by the remote units choosing the base units with the best signal. The linked remote unit and base unit transmit using frequency hopping spread spectrum modulation, using a predetermined frequency hopping sequence and at a point in the sequence unique to the particular base unit. The system may be configured with a plurality of NODES, each of which has a unique predetermined frequency hopping sequence and assigned base units and remote units.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim method and apparatus is described wherein a separate primary refrigeration pathway is utilized to drive refrigerant to be reclaimed through a secondary refrigeration pathway. The primary refrigeration pathway is comprised of a compressor, the hot side of a first heat exchange element, a condenser, a receiver and an evaporator, which is in part comprised of the cold side of a second heat exchange element. The secondary refrigeration pathway is comprised of the cold side of the first heat exchange element, a oil separation chamber, the hot side of the second heat exchange element, and a refrigerant storage cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the gamma radiation levels of drilling mud expelled from an oil and gas bore hole to determine the composition of the earth at the bottom of the bore hole and, when used in conjunction with a Measurement While Drilling gamma radiation detector, to determine the time and location of bore hole cavings. A first gamma radiation detector measures the gamma radiation level of the drilling mud with the bore hole entrained material, and a second gamma radiation detector measures the gamma radiation of the drilling mud without the entrained material. The difference between the two measurements is lagged to the time between the detectors and the bore hole bottom.

Abstract: An improved wheel alignment system and method is disclosed. This invention is a kinetic alignment system combining a geometric wheel aligner which measures toe angle with reference to the sidewall of a tire, and a dynamic wheel aligner which measures toe and camber angles with reference to the tread of the tire in order to rapidly and simultaneously measure both the position of a vehicle's wheel and the roll of the tire associated with the wheel. The geometric aligner of this invention includes (a) an improved pivot assembly that reduces scrub and the corresponding false position readings that otherwise result from the scuffing of the geometric apparatus across the sidewall of the tire when the wheel's plane of rotation changes, and (b) an improved striker assembly so as better to strike the sidewall of a tire at the tire's center line and, where the exact center line is missed, to self-correct for the unbalanced tire forces resulting from the missed strike.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the mobility of the ankle joint by application of a continuous or cycled force between the lower leg and anterior portion of the heel. In a preferred embodiment, an expandable cylinder is pivotally attached to a heel cup and to a lower leg cuff. A selected and quantifiable force is applied between the heel cup and lower leg cuff by a slidable expansion of concentric sleeves within the expandable cylinder using a coiled spring.

Abstract: A ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), particularly sciatic nerve CNTF (SN-CNTF) is claimed. The SN-CNTF described herein is a single protein species and has a specific activity that increased to greater than 25,000-fold from crude extract.Amino acid data for this SN-CNTF is also provided. In addition, methods for using this data for providing SN-CNTF probes and for screening cDNA and genomic libraries are also provided. Recombinant-DNA methods for the production of SN-CNTF are described.Nucleic acid sequences encoding rabbit and human CNTF are provided. A recombinant expression system is provided for producing biologically active CNTF.

Abstract: A hot or cold pack with a main body portion and four radially extending portions attached thereto and integral therewith. The radially extending portions may have a width greater at their periphery than at the joining to the main body portion. The hot or cold pack is particularly useful for application to a curved contour such as breast, knee, ankle, shoulder or other body area to relieve post operative or post trauma pain and inflammation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon and total inorganic and organic content of water are described. A novel combination of an acidification module, and inorganic carbon removal module based on a carbon dioxide selective gas permeable membrane, and oxidation reaction system which incorporates in-situ generation of oxidizing agents, coupled with catalyzed photo-oxidation of organic compounds to form carbon dioxide; and a high sensitivity, conductometric detector employing a carbon dioxide selective gas permeable membrane permits on-line measurement of the total organic carbon content of water streams.

Abstract: Magnetically stabilized fluidized bed technology is utilized in conjunction with ion-exchange adsorption/desorption processes in a method and system for isolating proteins from cell lysate. The invention also includes a magnetizable, porous, ion-exchange particle, and a method for producing the same, for use with the stationary magnetically stabilized fluidized bed protein isolation process.

Abstract: A one-piece pulverizing mill roller assembly and method of rebuilding the same. The roller assembly comprises a body, an integral hub portion and an integral circumferential outside tread portion which mates with an annular groove in a grinding table. The roller assembly is composed of a relatively lower hardness steel which will accept hard surface weld beads to rebuild the circumferential outside tread portion as it wears. The rebuilding can be performed in-place in the pulverizing mill.

Abstract: A dynamic splint which braces any joint and particularly any body joint, and is capable of cyclically moving the joint through a programmable range of motion while accommodating normal joint component motion and triplant motion. In a preferred embodiment, an extendable cable with a cable sleeve mounted on one limb and a rotatable inner threaded cable threaded through a threaded mounting bracket on the other limb extends and contacts to cause flexing and extension of the joint.

Abstract: A cordless telephone is disclosed in which the portable unit is totally contained in a headset. The headset includes its own push button key pad and related control buttons, a rechargeable battery and an RF transceiver. In addition, the preferred embodiment of the portable unit has two earphones and a volume control for enhanced and realistic binaural sound and for reducing background noise interference, a microphone flexibly mounted to the headset, and a supplementary head strap for helping to secure the unit to the user's head.

Abstract: An improved scaffold system suitable for tunnel roofing and siding, and other applications above and below the ground is disclosed. This invention is a diesel powered, hydraulically actuated, mobile and adjustable scaffold system that an operator can drive into a work area, such as a tunnel. Once at the work area, the operator can address the work face head on, and can adjust the workpiece carried on the work bearing surface of the system in every possible dimension.This invention compries a self-powered vehicle assembly and a multi-table assembly. The vehicle assembly provides a general level of mobility and maneuverability to the entire system. The multi-table assembly mounted on top of the vehicle assembly includes several movable tables, the top one of which supports a work bearing surface.

Abstract: Magnetizable, porous particles are prepared by contacting a first portion of porous particles with a suspension comprised of magnetite particles, coated with a dispersing agent, and water, removing and discarding the first portion of porous particles, contacting the suspension with a second portion of porous particles, and separating the second portion of porous particles from the suspension. The magnetizable, second portion of porous particles may be ion exchange resin particles used in a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed to isolate proteins from cell lysate.

Abstract: A compact refrigerant reclaim apparatus that is capable of removing refrigerant from a refrigeration system during repairs in order to remove oil and other impurities from said refrigerant and being capable of returning the refrigerant to the refrigeration system in a clean state. The apparatus includes an oil separator that includes oil separation and oil accumulator means.