Abstract: An integrated, artificial heart-lung machine and method for performing extracorporeal blood oxygenation and circulation. The heart-lung machine is a single unit in which a cylindrical artificial lung, preferably with a heat exchanger, is connected in series to an undulation pump and a removable drive unit. The undulation pump is directly connected to the oxygenator which significantly reduces the blood priming volume of the system.

Abstract: A method of removing returns from rain in Doppler radar systems (and corresponding apparatus and computer software) comprising receiving a Doppler radar return signal, transforming the signal into a range versus frequency map, for a plurality of range cells, performing a fit over frequency, for the plurality of range cells, calculating a total energy, for the plurality of range cells, comparing the calculated total energy to a threshold value, and replacing the return signal for a range cell with another signal if for the plurality of range cells the comparing step is positive.

Abstract: A tourniquet for use in constricting blood flow to limbs. The tourniquet comprises a strap with integral pocket-assemblies, a rod, and a cam-type buckle for fixing an initial circumference. The pocket assemblies receive the ends of the rod to hold the strap in a twisted configuration after tightening with the rod.

Abstract: An automated method of, and computer software and apparatus for, classifying objects visually into one of a plurality of object types comprising receiving a still image including an object, bounding the object within the image, dividing the bound portion of the image into a plurality of profile sections, performing a transform on each of the profile sections selected from discrete cosine transforms and discrete Fourier transforms, and executing a Bayes classifier function to segregate the object into one of the object types.

Abstract: A water filtering device suitable for locally, under atmospheric pressure, purifying contaminated water, and which comprises a container that is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, which container is provided with at least: a preliminary filtration element for the removal of particles, if present, of a particle size more than 10 micrometers; a filtration element provided with activated charcoal; and an ultrafiltration element.

Abstract: A dental flossing tool for dispensing floss for cleaning the user's teeth. A handle body surrounds a cavity and has a lead riser from which dental floss is dispensed for use. The floss is wound upon a spool that rotates inside the cavity. Floss is paid out from the spool and emerges from a hole in the tip of the lead riser. A button or handle is slidably mounted upon the apparatus for controlling the longitudinal movement of a retainer within the cavity of the apparatus. By sliding the button handle forward and backward, the user can disengage and engage the retainer with a baffle attached to the spool inside the body of the apparatus. When the retainer is in contact with the baffle, the spool is prevented from rotating, thereby stopping any further floss from being dispensed. When the retainer is disengaged out of contact with the baffle, the spool is free to rotate to pay out floss.

Abstract: A dual sensor for the simultaneous amperometric monitoring of glucose and insulin, wherein the glucose probe is based on the biocatalytic action of glucose oxidase, and the insulin probe is based on the electrocatalytic activity of metal oxide. Further provided is an oxidase enzyme composite electrode with an internal oxygen-rich binder. The present invention also optionally includes metallizing components within the carbon paste to eliminate signals from interfering compounds. The present invention includes embodiments for both in vitro and in vivo uses.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the preparation of a coating, adhesive, film or sheet. In this process a mixture of a polyisocyanate functional, a polyepoxide functional, a polyanhydride functional or a polyketone functional compound or polymer and a compound containing reactive hydrogen, in which the compound containing reactive hydrogen is used in a material which is non-reactive towards the compound containing reactive hydrogen which mixture is not or low reactive at ambient conditions and high reactive under selected conditions, is applied onto a substrate at ambient temperature, followed by reacting the above compounds at elevated temperatures. At ambient temperature said compound containing reactive hydrogen is a solid material, a powder, a granule, a flake or grind or a mixture thereof which is preferably ground.

Abstract: An antenna system, particularly for vehicles. A discone-type antenna is preferably utilized for frequencies outside the vehicle. At various frequencies, either or both the antenna and the vehicle serve as exciters.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process and analysis, including at least one elongated microfluidic channel, fluidic transport means for transport of fluids through the microfluidic channel, and at least one thick-film electrode in fluidic connection with the outlet end of the microfluidic channel. The present invention includes an integrated on-chip combination reaction, separation and thick-film electrochemical detection microsystem, for use in detection of a wide range of analytes, and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: A magnetically levitated transporter comprising a plurality of bogies attached thereto and traveling over a track comprising a plurality of rails, and a method for operating such transporter, comprising a plurality of magnets attached to each bogie, a plurality of the magnets being offset outboard with respect to the rails and a plurality of the magnets being offset inboard with respect to the rails, and a computer control system employing gain scheduling to control current provided to each of the magnets.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module 10 assembled by automated processes. PV module 10 comprises solar cells electrically connected in a linear string 24. Encapsulant 26 surrounds solar cell string 24. Dielectric 30 is positioned between solar cell string 24 and a layer of encapsulant 26?. A glass layer is placed atop encapsulant 26. A terminal bar 19 is in electrical continuity with the electrical output of the solar cell at each end of solar cell string 24. Circuit connector 20 is in electrical continuity with terminal bar 19 and is used for electrical connection of one module to another in the field. Solar cell string 24 is mounted in a box-like structure comprised of an upper pan 14 and lower pan 16. Lower pan 16 defines a conduit for the flow of air beneath solar cell string 24. Module 10 is rotatably mountable in sunlight tracking array 100.

Abstract: A notch compensation apparatus and method comprising, based on input to and output from a notch filter, dynamically calculating a desired change to a notch frequency of the notch filter and specifying the desired change to the notch filter so as to cancel an input resonance of uncertain or time varying frequency.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable rotating device includes a mounting part disposed on a peripheral wall of a base member. A drive unit includes a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor. A mounting seat is sleeved on the drive shaft, and is formed with an engaging member. A control mechanism is associated with the drive shaft in such a manner that rotation direction of the drive shaft is reversed when resistance to rotation of the drive shaft is greater than a predetermined amount of torque of the motor. A resistance providing member is mounted adjustably on the mounting part, and is engageable with the engaging member so as to provide resistance to rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting objects. In one embodiment, a person entering a secured or “Safe Zone™” is illuminated with low-power polarized radio waves. Differently polarized waves which are reflected back from the person are collected and measured. In a preferred embodiment, concealed weapons are detected by calculating the difference of a pair of differences (Delta A and B) of different polarized reflected energy (upper and lower curves in the two graphs) in the time domain, and by using signal processing methods and apparatus to improve the reliability of the detection process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or eliminating wetstacking in internal combustion engine systems operating substantially under capacity comprising establishing an exhaust temperature minimum set point, monitoring exhaust temperature of an engine; and restricting air intake into the engine when the temperature is below the set point. Intake air may also be heated when the exhaust temperature is below the set point, with the intake air divided into first and second paths, the first path being restricted and the second path being heated. The second path preferably comprises a fixed flow choke.

Abstract: A fast steering mirror method and apparatus comprising employing a plurality of linear actuators and a plurality of springs. Four actuators and four springs may be employed, with one at each corner of the mirror. If only two amplifiers are employed, the linear actuators are then cross coupled. Control means supplies current to the plurality of linear actuators, preferably with each actuator providing force proportional to current supplied, each comprising a motor and one or more current loops around the motor, with the control means causing displacement of the spring paired with a corresponding linear actuator by a distance approximately proportional to current supplied to the corresponding linear actuator and with the control means causing rotation of the mirror by an angle approximately equal to the displacement of the spring divided by the moment arm from the center line of the mirror to the center of the corresponding linear actuator.

Abstract: An infinite variable transmission with input shaft (52), planetary carrier (28), planetary pulleys (36) and planetary gears (32) with planetary axles (30) equiangularly disposed on the carrier (28). Variable pitch pulley (41) adjust a serpentine belt (38) which adjust the rotation of the planetary gears (32) to adjust the output shaft (20).