Abstract: An irradiation chamber adapted to treat a blood stream infection by subjecting the stream to ultraviolet radiation. The chamber is provided with a window transparent to UV rays under which is an array of parallel baffle plates that define a series of interconnected channels forming a labyrinthine passage extending from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber. Each baffle plate includes a transverse protuberance which intercepts the flow of blood in the related channels to produce a Bernoulli distortion acting to agitate the blood stream. And each baffle plate is vertically tapered to induce blood from the lower regions of the stream within the channels to rise to the upper region adjacent the window. As a consequence of these internal displacements within the flow stream and the intermingling of blood regions in the course of its flow through the labyrinthine passage, all portions of the blood stream are adequately exposed to UV rays.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for producing images of an object utilizing an x-ray computed tomography (CT) system. Detector elements within the CT system provide raw projection data representing the attenuated x-rays. A data corrector modifies the raw projection data to account for errors to produce corrected projection data. A high order interpolator operates on the corrected projection data to provide estimated projection data at the exact spatial position of the desired image. The high order interpolator utilizes a cubic spline function to determine the estimated projection data. The estimated projection data are used by an image reconstructor to perform high speed image reconstruction.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: A process for producing an urea preparation of reduced particle-size and narrow particle-size distribution by using an air milling process is provided. Also provided is an urea preparation of reduced particle-size, narrow particle-size distribution, and high purity.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a whole body RF coil system for use with an open magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system. The RF coil system comprises first and second quadrature RF coil sets positioned on opposing sides of an imaging volume. Each RF coil set comprises similarly-structured, multiple RF coils. Each quadrature RF coil comprises a first and second plurality of primary path conductor segments, and first and second return path conductors, symmetrically disposed about a centerline at specified distances. The first and second plurality of primary path conductor segments are positioned in a first plane that is substantially spaced apart from a second plane, further from the imaging volume, containing the first and second return path conductors. The conductors within each of the first and second set of primary path conductor segments are adapted to have a predetermined current amplitude ratio.

Abstract: An x-ray system with an x-ray generating device having improved heat dissipation capabilities. The x-ray generating device has an x-ray tube mounted in a casing holding a circulating, cooling medium. According to the present invention, the x-ray generating device includes a support mechanism mounted within the x-ray generating device in a manner for adjustably positioning, relative to the casing, the focal spot alignment path of generated x-rays. Additionally, the x-ray generating device includes a cooling mechanism having an inlet chamber for channeling the cooling medium within the support mechanism. Additionally, a cooling stem may be positioned within the inlet chamber to increase the heat exchange surface area exposed to the cooling medium. Thus, the present invention advantageously increases the heat dissipation capability of the x-ray generating device.

Abstract: An apparatus combines a plurality of incoming audio signals and outputs a combined audio signal. The incoming audio signals include a music signal, e.g., from a CD or cassette player, and a rhythm signal triggered by a user's heartbeat. The tempo of the rhythm will increase or decrease with the pulse rate of the user. In an alternative embodiment, the tempo may be set at a predetermined level to raise or lower the heartbeat of the user.

Abstract: An arm warmer is formed from a circularly knitted tubular fabric member made up of a wrist cuff, a tapered arm portion, and a binder portion. The fabric member is knitted with nylon, nylon covered spandex, and wicking yarns of various configurations for the wrist cuff, the arm portion, and the binder portion, to form an arm encompassing sleeve that can be maintained on the arm of the wearer that will provide warmth and increase blood circulation at the commencement of use, and which can be rolled down the arm and maintained thereon in a rolled condition when a sufficient body temperature has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating special needs children about money includes a easel having a display page having ferromagnetic properties arranged to display the display page to a child and specimen money and a plurality of graphics cards having magnetic properties adapted for mounting on the display page. The graphics cards include a first money card having numeric depictions stating values of money so the child can place corresponding money on the display page in association with the numeric depictions, a second money card having depictions of various ones of the money so that the child can place several items of money on the graphics card of lesser value than the depicted money to arrive at the value of the depicted money, and a third money card having numeric depictions stating various values, so that the child can place several items of money of lesser value than the numeric depiction to arrive at the value of the numeric depiction.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and transfer assembly is disclosed for use in electron beam generating devices that generate residual energy. The residual energy comprises radiant thermal energy and kinetic energy of back scattered electrons. The thermal energy storage and transfer assembly absorbs and stores an amount of the residual energy to reduce the heat load on other components in the electron beam generating device. The thermal energy storage and transfer device comprises a body portion of a sufficient thermal capacity to permit the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy absorbed into the assembly to substantially exceed the rate of transfer of the amount of the residual energy out of the assembly. The assembly also comprises a heat exchange chamber filled with a circulating fluid that transfers the thermal energy out of the assembly.

Abstract: A transmission including a torque converter to transfer power from a driving engine to a driven device through a series of fluidly-activated clutches, particularly for use with industrial applications. By using a self-contained fluid system to engage the clutch at the idle speed of the driving engine, the transmission is provided with a positive neutral feature. The transmission is adaptable to all industrial engine housings. Additional optional features of the transmission include an auxiliary drive, a reverse and single or additional forward gears, and a fluid cooler. The transmission further includes a transmission output shaft supported by a bearing assembly that may be designed for side loading. The transmission provides the benefits of increased performance in torque demanding applications, self-lubricating features that eliminate grease fittings, load dampening, an auxiliary drive, and a throttle/clutch engagement system that eliminates clutch damage caused by improper high speed engagement.

Abstract: A mobile, lightweight, universal collection apparatus for use with blower/vacuum units for quickly and easily collecting and storing large amounts of bulky debris or materials which is readily disassembled for conveniently storing and shipping the apparatus. The collection apparatus includes a large container, a removable lid, a disposable or reusable liner, an intake hose attachment and a base with rollers for movably supporting the container. The preferred container is comprised of one or more transparent, flat panels adapted to be readily secured together to form a cylindrical-shaped container for holding large amounts of debris or materials. The removable lid is transparent and is mounted on the container and includes a power unit connection for attaching the blower/vacuum unit, an inlet connection for attaching various intake hose attachments and an integral filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating children with special educational needs about how to set a table includes a mat having emblems thereon indicative of the locations for proper placement of a napkin, a plate, flatware and a drinking vessel. The emblems are each filled-in outlines of the item to be placed thereon and colored a distinctive primary color. Also included is a set of napkin, plate, flatware and a drinking vessel for a child with special educational needs to place on the mat. The napkin, plate, flatware and drinking vessel have colors that match the corresponding color of the emblem therefor on the mat. A teaching criteria manual has instruction for a teacher to guide the student in the process of setting the table by using the matching colors and shapes to appropriately place the napkin, plate, flatware and drinking vessel on the mat.

Abstract: A holding system and method that comprises a self-closing sleeve for holding an elongate article. The sleeve is formed between the spaced, lateral attachment of a retaining strip and base strip. Additionally, the sleeve uniquely provides an open-biased end that allows for the trouble-free insertion of an elongate article into the sleeve. The retaining strip has a relaxed length and a stretched length. One longitudinal edge of the retaining strip is maintained at a stretched length by an impeding member, while the opposing edge freely contracts to the relaxed length. As such, the lateral attachment of two portions of the retaining strip that are substantially parallel when in a relaxed length provide the open-biased end. Similarly, the spacing of the lateral attachments facilitates the self-closing feature of the sleeve by maintaining tension in the sleeve that allows the sleeve to securely and reliably hold an elongated article.

Abstract: A table adapted for attachment to an external support, e.g., the trunk latch of a motor vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the table of the present disclosure comprises a portable folding table attachable at one end to the trunk latch of an automobile, minivan or sport utility vehicle and supported at the other end by a pair of foldable, independently telescopically adjustable legs. The tabletop comprises two panels hingedly attached to one another along adjacent transverse edges. A novel adaptor is provided for attaching one of the panels to the locking mechanism of the trunk latch of the vehicle. The portable folding table folds for storage or transportation. The panels are provided with downwardly extending edges which, when the table is folded, form a space into which the adjustable legs may be folded.