Abstract: A valve for use in laminated plastic microfluidic structures. The valve comprises first, second, and third layers of flexible material separated by first and second spacing layers to form microfluidic channels, and having an actuator section to selectively isolate the microfluidic channels from each other. The structure can also be used as a recirculating pump.

Abstract: A device for promoting protein crystal growth (PCG) using microfluidic channels. A protein sample and a solvent solution are combined within a microfluidic channel having laminar flow characteristics which forms diffusion zones, providing for a well defined crystallization. Protein crystals can then be harvested from the device. The device is particularly suited for microgravity conditions.

Abstract: A therapeutic sling seat comprising a flexible material which is non-uniform in stiffness providing maximum contact surface area with the body of a person seated in the seat by spreading the forces away from high pressure areas using multiaxis tension forces. The seat material in tension adapts to the contour of the posterior of the seated person. By controlling the pressures on the ischial tuberosities, physical problems such as ulcers can be avoided.

Abstract: A system for automatically feeding studs to the electrode of a manual stud welding tool. The system comprises a magazine associated with the tool. The magazine receives a tandem row of studs mounted in and collated by a disposable mounting and collating strip assembly. A drive assembly is associated with the magazine to advance the mounting and collating strip assembly such that each stud, when it becomes the forwardmost stud of the tandem row, is properly positioned with respect to the tool to be welded to a workpiece.

Abstract: A tool for implanting spiral nerve cuff electrodes about a nerve which can be maneuvered into difficult-to-access areas within the body of a mammal. The tool consists of a handle/control device which is coupled to an electrode holding valve assembly at the distal end of the tool by a flexible connection, allowing for accurate positioning of the electrode at the implantation site. The tool handle/control device is coupled to the valve assembly such that the control device can be rotated to release the electrode, which is held to the valve assembly by a vacuum, while the handle is held steady to ensure the precise location of the electrode at a site remote from the handle. The vacuum holding the electrode can be removed from portions of the electrode sequentially, allowing the spiral electrode to curl around the nerve.

Abstract: A device and method for performing spectral measurements in flow cells with spatial resolution using a variable transmission optical filter having at least two areas with different optical properties. Light from a light source passes through the variable transmission filter to a flow cell containing a sample to be analyzed. The resultant light pattern is sensed by a detecting means, which analyzes the spectral properties of the sample within the flow cell.

Abstract: A therapeutic sling seat comprising a flexible material which is non-uniform in stiffness providing maximum contact surface area with the body of a person seated in the seat by spreading the forces away from high pressure areas using multiaxis tension forces. The seat material in tension adapts to the contour of the posterior of the seated person. By controlling the pressures on the ischial tuberosities, physical problems such as ulcers can be avoided.

Abstract: A caseless propellant charge structure and sensitizer structure for safe ignition and cleaner gas generation. The sensitizer structure is comprised of a sensitizer material which is encapsulated in a protective binder material. The protective binder layer is broken during desired ignition in the combustion chamber. Meanwhile the propellant structure comprises an oxidizer rich layer which also contains fuel and a propellant layer. The oxidizer rich layer is adjacent the sensitizer structure in the strip assembly. The oxidizer rich layer allows ignition while foregoing the need for high concentration of oxidizer throughout the propellant structure thus reducing the mass of solids generated from the oxidizer combustion.

Abstract: A multiple channel stimulator for applying electrical impulses to nerves of a mammal using a single power supply to drive a plurality of channels which are selectively activated to apply electrical impulses to nerve trunks through cuff electrodes. As a channel is activated, an isolation resistor in that channel is shorted out, providing a path of low resistance in that channel compared to the other channels, insuring that any leakage current or cross currents between channels is minimized, whereby improving the performance of the stimulator.

Abstract: A system for automatically feeding studs to the electrode of a manual stud welding tool. The system comprises a magazine associated with the tool. The magazine receives a tandem row of studs mounted in and collated by a disposable mounting and collating strip assembly. A drive assembly is associated with the magazine to advance the mounting and collating strip assembly such that each stud, when it becomes the forwardmost stud of the tandem row, is properly positioned with respect to the tool to be welded to a workpiece.

Abstract: A method for adhesively adhering rubber components which comprises placing adjacent to the surfaces of the pieces to be joined a continuous, non-perforated metallic foil strip, which absorbs electromagnetic waves. The strip, which is contiguous with a heat activatable adhesive material, is positioned between the pieces and exposed to electromagnetic waves while the pieces are held together to form a bonded relationship between the pieces.

Abstract: A method for adhesively assembling milled wood products which comprises placing adjacent to the surfaces of the pieces to be joined a continuous, non-perforated metallic foil strip, which absorbs electromagnetic waves. The strip, which is contiguous with a heat activatable adhesive material, is positioned between the pieces and exposed to electromagnetic waves while the pieces are held together to form a bonded relationship between the pieces.

Abstract: A method for adhering glass products to a work surface which comprises placing adjacent to the surfaces of the pieces to be joined a continuous, non-perforated metallic foil strip, which absorbs electromagnetic waves. The strip which is contiguous with a heat activatable adhesive material, is positioned between the pieces and exposed to electromagnetic waves while the pieces are held together to form a bonded relationship between the pieces.

Abstract: A screw feed and driver assembly which may constitute a part of a screw driving tool of the type having a prime mover, a speed and torque determining gear assembly and a clutch; which can constitute an accessory for a clutch containing manual feed power screw driver; and which, combined with a clutch, can comprise an accessory for a standard manual power drill. The screw feed and driver assembly comprises a feed housing with a slide body mounted therein and shiftable between forward and rearward positions. The slide body is biased to its forward position. The slide body receives a strip bearing screws. A contact foot is mounted on the slide body and shifts the slide body rearwardly when pressed against a workpiece. A screw driver, affixed to the clutch, extends into the slide body. The slide body contains a pawl and feed sprocket assembly. The sprocket engages notches in one edge of the screw bearing strip.

Abstract: A method for adhesively assembling cellulosic products which comprises placing adjacent to the surfaces of the pieces to be joined a continuous, non-perforated metallic foil strip, which absorbs electromagnetic waves. The strip, which is contiguous with a heat activatable adhesive material, is positioned between the pieces and exposed to electromagnetic waves while the pieces are held together to form a bonded relationship between the cellulosic pieces.

Abstract: A method for adhesively assembling plastic products which comprises placing adjacent to the surfaces of the pieces to be joined a continuous, non-perforated metallic foil strip, which absorbs electromagnetic waves. The strip, which is contiguous with a heat activatable adhesive material, is positioned between the pieces and exposed to electromagnetic waves while the pieces are held together to form a bonded relationship between the plastic pieces.