Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a predetermined tension on a silk screen, including a workstation where more than one screen may be stretched without the necessity of removing the previous screen or necessitating a physical movement of the operator.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the position of radioactive seeds in a pre-loaded brachytherapy needle includes a pickup unit into which the loaded needle is inserted. A scintillating (phosphor) screen responsive to radiation from the seeds produces a light output of selected wavelength, which is then picked up by an optical array positioned along the screen. The resulting optical signals are then transmitted to a display assembly. The optical signals are focused and then applied to a CCD device. The output of the CCD device is processed by a microprocessor to produce a visual display of the radioactive seeds within the needle.

Abstract: The spacer element (10) includes a central portion (16) and two end portions (18, 20). The spacer element is generally cylindrical in configuration and the two end sections are adapted to receive and hold a portion of radioactive seed elements (12, 14). The spacer element comprises two half-portions (22, 24) joined by a hinge element (26) positioned along a longitudinal edge of the spacer element. The two half-portions rotate about the longitudinal hinge element, moving from an open position, in which the radioactive seeds can be loaded by an operator into the spacer element, to a closed position, in which the radioactive seeds are held in the spacer element. A plurality of seeds and spacers can thus be conveniently assembled into a series string thereof for loading into a needle and subsequent insertion into the prostate.

Abstract: The protective element includes a flexible, cotton flannel base portion and a wax portion which impregnates the base portion to produce a combination article, wherein the wax portion is formulated so that the combination article is sufficiently flexible to prevent the wax portion from cracking away from the base portion at room temperature, and further such that the flexibility of the article increases sufficiently when the article is warmed by placement in the mouth to permit conforming application of the article to the dental appliance, and further such that the article remains in place against the dental appliance during use.

Abstract: A device for blending materials comprising a carrier support (1) arranged to support a closed bag (3) containing a material to be blended, a kneading mechanism in the form of paddles (5) which are arranged to apply a kneading action to the bag walls for homogenizing its contents, and a clamping device (4) for holding the bag closed and against the carrier support (1) during kneading. The kneading mechanism (5) is arranged to act in conjunction with the carrier support (1) and an island baffle (7) to cause the contents of the bag to circulate during kneading.

Abstract: The ejection mechanism includes an elongated housing for storing medication packages of uniform configuration. An eject member moves between two positions, including a first, rest position and a second, eject position. An actuator moves the eject member between its two positions. A clamping member which forms part of one wall of the housing near the lower end thereof is spring biased so as to clamp the medication packages in place, except for the lowermost package, during the time that the lowermost package is begin ejected from the housing assembly. A cam member portion of the clamping member interacts physically with the eject member in such a manner that as the eject member moves from its rest position to its eject position, the clamping member is allowed to move inwardly, clamping those packages above the lowermost package. When the eject member is in its rest position, the clamping member is held away from the packages, permitting them to move downwardly in the housing assembly.

Abstract: The three point force sensing system includes three spaced sensor members which change in resistance linearly or monotonically over a selected range of force applied thereto. The sensor members are arranged in a triangle configuration in a flex circuit which is positioned between a brushhead and a brushhead body. The brushhead has three raised portions on a lower surface thereof which bear against the sensor members in a spring-like relationship. Electrically conductive trace lines extend from the sensor members along the length of the toothbrush to a connector at the rear end thereof. A microprocessor is used to evaluate the change of resistance as force is applied against the brushhead to determine force in the z direction against the teeth, as well as motion in the x and y direction in a plane parallel with a base portion of the brushhead.

Abstract: The system uses graph theory to define busline arrangements as a series of vertices and edges, wherein the vertices include the number of busses in the system and the edges include disconnect circuit branches connecting the individual vertices. A particular system configuration, selected by the system operator, determines the status (open or closed) of the various disconnect branches. A processor establishes an incident graph matrix, including positions of all the vertices and edges. The matrix is modified in accordance with graph theory and the condition of the disconnect switches. Graph operations are performed to produce a resulting matrix which defines vertices and the edges incident thereon into zones of protection. Fault analysis in the busline can then be performed in accordance with each zone of protection.

Abstract: The system includes an ultrasound apparatus which provides successive images of a bladder during the voiding process, the images being approximately one second long so as to provide an accurate picture of the action of the bladder during voiding. The images are then processed to form a substantially continuous moving image, i.e. a video or motion picture. The video covers approximately five minutes so as to capture the entire voiding event. The system is initiated typically by the user by pressing a button or other implement on the ultrasound apparatus which is carried by a belt or on a garment adjacent the abdomen of the user. Several processing techniques are used to compensate for any movement of the user or the device during the voiding process so as to provide a coherent and continuous moving image of the bladder during the voiding process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for visually inspecting tubular garments such as socks, sleeves, stockings, panties or the like. The article is loaded onto or unloaded from a support or stretcher, and the article is checked or inspected by means of a computer-aided vision system during the loading onto or unloading off of the support or stretcher.

Abstract: The system includes a medication-receiving assembly which collects medications automatically dispensed from storage assemblies therefor and a transport assembly for moving the collected medications to a loading assembly, wherein the loading assembly is arranged and positioned so that the medications move by gravity action from an upper end thereof, past a pair of opposing, angled deflectors which are individually controllable and which guide the medications into selected portions of a medication bin in a medication cart, which accommodates medications for a large number of patients, such as all the patients on a hospital ward. Supplemental medications not present in the storage assemblies can be provided with a hand-loaded supplemental doses assembly. The medication cart may then be moved directly to the ward and the bedside of the individual patients in turn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag (133) made of a sealable material and containing a charge (134) of a comminuted or other flowable product, such as roasted and ground coffee. The bag (133) is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve (12) through which a hollow probe (14) can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members (UJ) close to form an outer temporary seal about an upper region of the bag above an intermediate region of the bag which is also above the level of the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133) where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members (LJ) close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag below the upper and intermediate regions and above the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133). With the probe (14) extended through the sleeve (12) into the bag (133), the bag (133) is evacuated through the probe (14).

Abstract: A differential relay for protecting a power apparatus portion of a power system, such as a bus line, includes incoming and outgoing power lines on which incoming and outgoing currents are present. The incoming and outgoing currents of each phase are applied through current transformers and then through filtering and normalizing circuits prior to application to the differential relay. The differential relay includes a circuit for determining the presence of an external fault, and maintains security by avoiding a tripping action of the relay for said external faults.

Abstract: Apparatus for non-invasive reading of subcutaneous material, including in one package light emitters of a wavelength capable of illuminating subcutaneous material, light detecting elements responsive to the illuminated material and prerecorded material, whereby the apparatus makes a comparison between the currently illuminated material and the prerecorded material.

Abstract: A method of locking a precut silkscreen fabric to splines which are then inserted into retensionable roller frames, wherein the fabric is scored where it contacts the spline, permitting the adhesive to lock the sections of the spline together through the scores in the fabric, mechanically locking the fabric in place.

Abstract: Installation for the quality control of yarn bobbins, said installation comprising one or a plurality of quality control machines (2) which are associated to a system (5) for transporting the bobbins (7) onto supports (6), with stops for inspection purpose, said quality control machines having a housing (19) wherein are provided one or a plurality of inspection stations (11), one or a plurality of loading/unloading stations (20) and a unit for transferring the bobbins (7) from the transport system (5) to said housing (19), the bobbins being positioned successively in the stations (11, 20) and returning to the transport system (5); the unit for transferring the bobbins comprises a rotary frame (3) which makes stops of predetermined duration at each of the inspection stations (11) and loading/unloading stations (20) and incorporates various assemblies provided with a fixing member (4) intended to approach the support (6) carrying the bobbin (7) in order to take the later.