Abstract: A device to measure the relative location in three dimensional space of anatomical structures by injecting a beam of light into an optical imaging device and projecting the beams of light onto the object being imaged. By virtue of the change in the image of the light beam, as a function of changes in the position and/or direction of the injected beam, and knowing the optical transfer function of the imaging device, the position of the anatomical structure can easily be calculated.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of polyester resin from the esterification of an aromatic acid with a glycol followed by polycondensation in the presence of a metal oxide catalyst in which spent glycol is removed during the course of the polycondensation reaction along with insolubles, large particulates, low molecular weight oligomers, metal oxide catalyst, cation impurities and anion impurities, and trace amounts of other impurities in which the temperature of the spent glycol is increased to maintain the monomer dissolved in solution while passing the spent glycol to a crossflow membrane filtration device with sufficient fluid velocity across the crossflow membrane filtration device to maintain turbulent flow. The glycol permeate is recycled to the esterification process while the concentrated insolubles are separated from the purged retentate.

Abstract: A mobile process to reclaim spent aqueous glycol solutions used as heat transfer fluids and which contains deleterious contaminants, oil/grease, corrosion products, and additives such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors. Particulate contaminates and oil/grease are removed by passing the solution through an ultrafiltration membrane. The dissolved contaminants are removed by passing through a series of ion exchange resin (IER) vessels. The reclaimed glycol solution is reused after replacing the required additives. One embodiment provides for central processing of the filtration and absorption media housed in a mobile enclosure, such as a trailer. The mobile trailer may be used at various collection sites for cleaning and reprocessing spent glycols. After the media are spent, the mobile trailer is returned to a central processing facility for regeneration of the filtration and absorption media. The waste produced by the regeneration is concentrated at a single treatment and disposal facility.

Abstract: A method and device which utilizes the Pulfrich stereo-illusion effect to screen for anterior visual system disease. The Pulfrich stereo-illusion effect occurs when viewing a pendulum moving perpendicular to the line of sight. If one eye is affected by anterior visual system disease, the pendulum appears to move in an ellipse--clockwise if the left eye is affected, counter-clockwise if the right eye if affected. A computer has software to generate an image of a "pendulum" bob. The patient views this image through a set of "virtual reality" goggles connected to the computer. The computer generates left and right images for presentation to each eye that mimic the varying perspective of real three dimensional objects viewed directly by the human eyes. The computer also generates a set of "neutral density" filters for each eye so that the degree of impairment in an eye may be quantified.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recovery of ammonia refrigerant using paired evaporation condensation processes in which an essentially closed water loop is used to efficiently transfer heat energy from the evaporation process to the condensation process and which further allows excess heat to be purged from the system by evaporation of water in a forced draft condenser.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit for use at childrens' parties or other special occasions; for example, birthday parties. The kit includes a T-shirt or similar article of clothing with pre-printed indicia, indicating the nature of the occasion or displaying a company's logo or other identifying phrases. The pre-printed indicia may also include directions for using the kit as described following. The kit includes a variety of fabric paints, a backing material to prevent the paints from bleeding through the fabric, brushes, markers and the like suitable for use on fabrics, and instructions. The purpose of the kit is to allow the participants at the special occasion to decorate the shirt with their handprints as a keepsake of the occasion.

Abstract: A safety device for use by a horseback rider. Industrial strength hook and loop fasteners secure the rider to the saddle. Loop material is affixed to the saddle and complementary hook material is secured to the rider. By engaging the hook material with the loop material, a sufficient binding force is established to prevent the rider from being thrown from the horse. A simple outward leg movement is sufficient to peel away the hook from the loop material. The invention may be used in conjunction with either the English equestrian style saddle, the western style saddle or the jockey saddle. Each includes a safety girth that attaches to the saddle or around the saddle and which contains a segment of loop type fastening material. A matching segment of hook type fastening material is fastened either to the legs or to the boots of the rider.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for composting poultry carcasses, comprising a two wheel utility trailer with a rotary drum composter mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis above and parallel to the wheel axle of the trailer. The drum may be turned, manually or mechanically, until the composting process is complete. After composting, the loaded composter is taken to a field for spreading. The drum has openings which are opened and a chain drive is connected to the axle of the trailer so that the drum is turned by the movement of the wheels of the trailer over the ground. This tumbling action spreads the composted material as the trailer is pulled over the field. In one embodiment, the trailer is provided with a roof to keep rain off the composter drum. In another embodiment, the spreading action is improved by providing a distributing disc located under the trailer and driven by the drive axle to throw the composted material falling from the openings of the drum.

Abstract: A vibrometer which detects the variation of the speckle interference pattern of reflected waves as a means of determining the amplitude and frequency of vibrations of structures, including small anatomical structures. A wave source such as a laser delivers wave radiation to the object whose vibration is to be measured. The diffuse reflectance from the textural surface of the object reflects the incident wave radiation as a speckle interference pattern which is detected by a detector, such as a photodetector. The wave radiation source may be a continuous-wave laser, and the photodetector detector may be a phototransistor connected to a wide-bandwidth amplifier. As the object vibrates, the speckle interference pattern moves. The variation in the speckle interference pattern across the detector carries amplitude and frequency information regarding the vibrating object.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitation or training of targeted portions of the brain in which hemi-lenses having semi-opaque radial segments selectively blind portions of the visual processing areas of the brain to force visual processing to a particular portion of the brain which is thereby stimulated. Such rehabilitation consists of having the patient perform visual and non-visual tasks constructed to activate processing in the targeted portion of the brain. The hemi-lenses may be employed in a series of gradually increased translucency to allow the patient's visual system to adapt in stages to the rehabilitated balance between intact visual processing and relearned visual processing.

Abstract: A support system for a catheter urine collection bag comprising three circumferential straps with suitable padding and adjustable hook and loop closures. The circumferential straps are held in proximity to one another by a first longitudinal strap connecting the three on their front surfaces, and a second longitudinal control strap between the upper strap and the second strap on their rear surfaces. The longitudinal control strap acts fundamentally as a hinge between the upper two circumferential straps to prevent the circumferential straps from twisting out of position relative to one another. The second circumferential strap and the lower, third strap have loop closure material which matches hook closure material threaded through the support holes formed into the bag.

Abstract: A collapsible shipping container comprising a base portion, three walls which are hinged to the base at their respective lower edges, a fourth wall which assembles to the base by sliding into a channel, four identical corner posts having a pair of channels for sliding on to the vertical edges of the four sides, and a top lid. The hinges on the side walls allow the three hinged side panels to fold over onto each other in a tightly layered configuration. The hinges do not carry a load which allows the containers to be stacked. The corner posts have locking pins which fit into holes on the tops of the walls to firmly lock the walls together. Skids are provided on the bottom portion to allow the container to be picked up and moved by forklifts. The top lid holds the corner posts and completely encloses the collapsed container. Alternatively, the container may accept snap-in casters on the bottom.

Abstract: A portable table for cleaning fish, fowl, and other game. A one-piece molded work tray is mounted on foldable legs and includes a molded-in holding area, a molded-in fillet bowl, a cut-out opening into a trash bag, a recess with a knife and bag storage area covered by a removable cutting board, a guttering system for leading waste from the work surface or the storage area into the trash bag opening, and an apron extending from the guttering system into the trash bag opening to facilitate guiding waste into the trash bag. Slotted knobs are disposed about the trash bag opening to assist in the attachment of the trash bag. The foldable legs of preferably scissors type folding legs with a center brace and chain support. The work tray rest on the top of the unfolded legs. The rim of the work tray contains diagonal cutouts for the legs to pass through so that the folded legs may be stored inside the work tray.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis and an underwire adapted to retain the breast prosthesis. The breast prosthesis is affixed to the underwire by an attachment fixture molded into the posterior (or chest side) of the prosthesis. The attachment fixture, a female plug, is complementary to a retention fixture, a male plug, molded into a loop on the underwire. The loop of the underwire is adapted to provide a spring bias of the male plug against the chest wall of the wearer for a secure and comfortable fit and to provide sensory feedback as to the correct positioning of the prosthesis. The attachment fixture and the retention fixture are preferably essentially spherical in outline so as to form a ball and socket connection. The underwire is carried by a bandeau which may be removably attached to an unmodified bra.

Abstract: A process and system for identifying specific items or assets which require time-based or on-demand attention, a method of planning and scheduling activities on the located items or assets, analysis on actions performed relative to the items or assets and adherence to a time-based schedule for scheduled activities. This invention utilizes a system which retains, schedules and performs analysis on all data associated with the identified items organized and documented and allows for grouping into hierarchical and non-hierarchical groupings. Users executing the prescribed schedule use devices to document inspection activities at the point of inspection. The collaboration of these items work in unison to insure activities which require specific, accurate and documented efforts occur as needed as prescribed.

Abstract: A device for detecting bone fragments in deboned poultry carried on a conveyor belt of flexible clear plastic material. Fluorescent lights are positioned under the conveyor. A second conveyor positioned above the first conveyor is made up of a linked series of rigid clear plastic slats which bear down on the deboned poultry passing over the light table in order to reduce the thickness to allow the light to show through and reveal bone fragments. A video camera positioned inside the conveyor and looking down on the flattened poultry parts is used to identify bone fragments. In another embodiment, the inspection may done by operators. In either embodiment filters, desirably rose colored, are used to enhance the visibility of the bone fragments. Computer image recognition may additionally be used to identify and reject parts with bone fragments.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating foam for use in fire fighting having two plates housed in a chamber which respectively introduce pressurized air and water/soap solution into the space between the two plates where foam is generated and emitted from an aperture on the side of the chamber. Pressurized water/soap solution is introduced through an orifice into a small opening through one plate. Pressurized air is introduced into the other plate through a number of channels bored through the plate to an annular grove on the surface of the plate. The plates are provided with flat surfaces which are brought together to form a narrow gap. The narrow gap balances the pressure between the incoming water and the incoming air by achieving an equilibrium at some particular radius out from the center of the two plates. This equilibrium radius moves in and out from the center as necessary to keep the two pressures balanced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transportation and storage of compressible items in a compressed state, the apparatus comprising a lower member featuring a horizontal floor; an upper member featuring a horizontal roof, the upper member being slideably connected to the lower member; a platform between the floor and roof that is slideably connected to the upper and lower member; a rotational expulsion mechanism attached to the lower member, upper member, and platform; and an attachment point, said attachment point facilitating the connection of the apparatus to a vehicle. Compressible items may be loaded onto the platform, after which the platform is raised so that compressible items may be loaded between the floor and platform. The roof may then be lowered, compressing both those items between the roof and platform and those items between the platform and floor.

Abstract: A composite allograft press comprises a loading frame and a two piece mold to form an composite allograft and in particular an acetabular cup from impacted cancellous bone chips and cement. Pressure is applied by a manually operated lever through a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism to a plunger attached to one part of the mold. Compression load switches in-line with the plunger indicate the correct loading to the mold to produce a composite allograft in which the inner surface is smooth and comprised essentially of hardened bone cement material. The outer portion of the allograft may have limited cement extrusions but the exterior of the cup primarily shows exposed cancellous bone surface. In surgery a composite allograft; e.g., an acetabular cup, is fixed in the acetabulum with bone screws to fill an acetabular defect. A plastic liner is affixed with bone cement directly to the composite allograft cup to receive the femoral component.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission in which a ratio transfer bearing whose axis is at right angles to a friction disc against which it interacts by friction is moved across the face of the friction disc to continuously vary the transfer ratio between the two. The ratio transfer bearing is varied by means of a jackscrew operated by a train of bevel gears.One friction disc and ratio transfer bearing on the input side and a second friction disc and ratio bearing on the output side are connected through an idler bearing against which the two ratio transfer bearings operate. The jackscrews which move the two ratio transfer bearings are operated through the bevel gear linkages in an inverse fashion so that a higher ratio on one friction disc results in a lower ratio on the other friction disc and inversely. By varying the two transfer ratios inversely, a wider range of output ratios is obtainable.