Abstract: Miniature planar IR waveguides of thickness 30-50 &mgr;m, consisting of 12-mm long, 2-mm wide strips of Ge supported on ZnS substrates and tapered quasi-tapered waveguides, tapered from a thickness of 1 mm at the ends to a minimum of 1-100 &mgr;m at the center, are disclosed. The surface sensitivity is increased as a function of incidence or bevel angle. The tapered waveguide improves the efficiency of the optical coupling both into the waveguide from an FTIR spectrometer, and out of the waveguide onto a small-area IR detector. The tapering makes it possible to dispense with using an IR microscope couple light through the waveguide, enabling efficient coupling with a detector directly coupled to an immersion lens. This optical arrangement makes such thin supported waveguides more useful as sensors, because they can be made quite long (e.g. 50 mm) and mounted horizontally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to assess the compressibility of blood includes a combination of ultrasound transducers attached to tubing in which blood is flowing. An indicator medium is injected into the bloodstream of the subject over one or more time points and ultrasound waves are transmitted and monitored using transducers and phase lock amplifier to assess transmission time. Using a linear relationship between compressibility and density, changes in blood density are calculated from changes in transmission time to predict blood density changes and then the blood volume and microvascular pooling. This information allows prediction of complications that can occur during hemodialysis or because of post-traumatic fluid replacement and development of therapy to alleviate the complications.

Abstract: A method for the in vivo detection of urease-producing helicobacter in the upper stomach is disclosed. The dense carrier is divided into two separate groups which are combined with separate reagent indicators, one of which also contains urea. The carriers are food soluble products, preferably sugar beads having a diameter of approximately 0.2 to 3.0 mm. The treated carriers and urea are encapsulated in a soluble capsule which is administered to a patient. The density of the carriers cause the capsule to migrate to the gastric mucosa, where the capsule, but not the reagents, is dissolved, placing the reagents and urea in direct contact with the gastric mucosa. The urea reacts with any urease present in the stomach by creating ammonia, which increases the pH in the immediate vicinity of the urea containing carrier and indicator beads. The two reagents react differently, through color change, to the increase in pH, which is viewed through use of an endoscope.

Abstract: A marking device is disclosed to enable the placement of an indicator mark on one side of a sheet of material to mark the approximate periphery of a stationary object. The device consists of a base containing at least one inking transfer with a marking surface raised above the base surface. Multiple flexible self-hinges, each having a width, a thickness, a first end and a second end extend, from the first end, at an angle from the first surface of the base. Each of the self-hinges as a contact pad, positioned parallel to the base and adjacent to the second end of the self-hinge. The self-hinges extend from the base a distance sufficient to prevent the sheet material from contacting the inking transfer without the application of sufficient pressure to compress the self-hinges. In one embodiment, the base contains positioned to receive the self-hinges and contact pads during compression. The second surface of the base has affixing members to enable the base to be positioned on the item to be marked.

Abstract: The operating control device can be use on equipment such as hand tools, electronics or fuel pumps. An input device enables the input of user access codes and a readout panel monitors the equipment status. A control member is in communication with the input device, readout panel, power source, driver member and activation member to prevent operation of the equipment by requiring entry of a user code. The control device can include a programmable timer to communicate with the control member to enable the power to flow from the power source to the driver member for a predetermined period of time. A clock can track time and activate and deactivate the timer. The communication can be through electrical wires that can be encased in a solid material to make the control member and wires inaccessible. When used directly on a fuel pump, the control member prevents fuel from reaching the engine without the input of a proper user code.

Abstract: The disclosed appliance enables the rapid insertion of a tube around the nasal septum of a patient to form a harness onto which to secure a medical tube entering through the nasal passage. The appliance has a feed through arm having a first end angled to form a first handle member. A receiving arm, having a first end angled to form a second handle member and is attached to the feed arm by a swivel juncture. A fulcrum housing at the proximal end of the upper clamping member forms a swivel juncture to enable a lower clamping member, extending from the fulcrum housing to the second end of the receiving arm second end, to be moveable. The feed arm and receiving arm move in a scissor like manner on a first plane while the upper and lower clamping members move on a second plane, angled to the first plane.

Abstract: An improved flexible shaft used in the reaming of the medullary space in bones is described. The shaft is comprised of a solid element with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slot which extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally. Attached to the shaft's opposite ends respectively, are a cutting head and a means of connecting the shaft to a driving mechanism. Additionally, an improved anthropomorphic spinal element and vertebral body replacement implant are described. The anthropomorphic spinal element is composed of a solid element with a longitudinal bore and an appropriately formed slot that extends spirally around the shaft either continuously or segmentally and is completely or partially filled with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: Improvement to a prior art collapsible wheeled caddy are disclosed to enable the caddy to be used for specialized purposes. A hinged lid is attached to the edge of the front panel to close the caddy top while lying proximate the front panel when open. The front panel can be recessed to receive the lid and preferably, arcs in the lid are dimensioned to accommodate the handles. The recess can accommodate one or more storage members, including a storage panel that has been dimensioned to be affixed within the recess. Hangers are configured to interact with the sides of the caddy to accommodate hanging items such as file folders. A back panel can be used containing retaining members to removably affix items to the panel. A stacking caddy is disclosed that has a handle recess and retaining member dimensioned to receive the wheeled handles. Caddy receiving channels are placed in the bottom of the stacking caddy to receive the edges of the wheeled caddy.

Abstract: A new process and device are described which together make it possible to quantify and monitor the percentage of remaining or regained ligament function by externally measuring anatomical reference points using electronic sensors which have been added to existing ligament stress devices and then applying mathematical models to these measurements, thereby eliminating the need for x-rays or other imaging modalities. The device is compact and portable and can be operated by a technician, eliminating the need for the physician to conduct the test. The information generated by the device and the method is presented in an easy to read clinical format eliminating the need for the physician to make computations in order to make a diagnosis.

Abstract: A load-dispersing device for non-free standing ladders or other devices that require reduction of horizontal slippage. The single strip load-dispersing bumper can be used in combination with a ladder having side rails with a load-bearing surface. The bumper consists of a pair of flexible, resilient, load-dispersing members, each of which has a contact area and a method of affixing the members to the ladder. A first side of the contact area is placed adjacent and secured to the load-bearing surface. The second side of the contact area is placed between the load bearing surface and a support surface to prevent the ladder from sliding. The bumper can be affixed to the load bearing surface by an adhesive, tape or hook and loop material or using multiple dome-topped pins that are integral with the first side. The dome-topped pins are dimensioned to fit within holes that are placed along the load-bearing surface.

Abstract: The frequency transfer system modulates square wave frequencies from a data storage medium to a pair of electrically conductive contact surfaces. The system contains at least one feed line into a transfer unit that has at least one voltage threshold limitation member to prevent the voltage from exceeding a predetermined amount. An anode and cathode leads terminate at the contact surfaces. A voltage indicator within the transfer unit is activated at a predetermined minimum voltage. The storage medium contains the odd harmonics derived from the square waves that are recorded in synchronization with the square waves. Body affixing means are used to maintain at least one of the contact surfaces with the a user's skin. Alternatively, the first contact surface contacts the user's skin and the second contact surface is proximate the user's skin. In one embodiment the data storage medium is a CD and is played through an amplifier placed between the CD player and the transfer unit.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more borehole pumps includes a receiver/separator tank. The receiver/separator tank includes a body having a sealable top cap, an electronics panel, a separator housing, a separator cap that divides the electronics panel from the separator housing, and an inlet base at a second end of the body and dimensioned to maintain entry pipes in appropriate positions. The tank further includes a fluid outlet pipe; a gas pipe; a safety line; a supply line; an exhaust line; a propellant line; a fluid return line; and a spiral diffuser. The spiral diffuser is connected to the fluid return line to disperse fluid received through the return line at an angle to separate gas contained in the fluid. Pressure from the fluid causes the spiral diffuser to spin within the separator housing, and thus, separating gas contained within the fluid from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and tools for teaching rapid and accurate decoding and encoding words. In decoding (reading), the invention delineates the concept of sound units (a combination of blendable letter sounds) and their use to accurately decode words systematically and efficiently. In encoding writing or making words), the invention utilize a combination of wheels to help children with limited motor skills to easily and accurately encode thousands of words and word like combinations so as to learn and familiarize themselves with words and their structures. The same wheels can also be used to create math wheels and sorting wheels that can train children's early math skills in adding, deducting, multiplication, subdivision, and other important abilities.

Abstract: A line tightening device, for use in removing slack from a flexible line has a plate-like body member. The body member has a pair of spaced holes and a pair of opposing ends. The holes are between the ends of the member. One end is bent generally at a right angle to the body member. At least one line receiving groove is provided along an edge of the bent up region. A flexible rope or line is strung through the pair of holes. The rotation of the body member in a first direction, around an axis substantially perpendicular to said first plane winds the flexible line around itself along an axis substantially midway between said two holes. This is repeated until the flexible line is taut. Then the flexible line is locked into one of the line receiving grooves. The line receiving groove is on the side of the body member that faces away from said direction of rotation, such that the device cannot unwind.

Abstract: A recreational device having a moisture and tear and UV resistant outer surface is disclosed. The core is manufactured from a flexible, lightweight material having a weight of about 2.0-2.5 pounds per cubic foot, such as two-part polyurethane or closed cell foam through injection or open molding. An inner core can be placed concentrically within the outer core, with the inner core having a second density. The flexible outer surface can be integral to the core or applied subsequent to manufacturing and can be materials such as a latex or neoprene. Preferably at least one indentation is molded into the core to receive a container. At least one connector receiving area, such as a directly inserted clip, ring or other fastener, can be embedded into the core to receive an attachment strap to attach multiple devices together.

Abstract: A warning system provides for notification of the approach of a track guided train to a user work area perimeter. The system includes at least one sensor, preferably a plurality of sensors, for sensing the approach of a train. Data is collected and analyzed, with the analysis including the status of preprogrammed system criteria. Signals are transmitted to a remote receiving member. The remote receiving member can be part of an annunciator. An analysis member receiving and analyzes the signals and determines whether it is necessary to transmit a warning signal. At least one indicator provides a warning notification to a user. The data collection device at least periodically transmits signals to the programmable data analysis member and the analysis member determines the absence or proximity of a train.

Abstract: A modified sport or work goggles, includes a first and second top strap, a first and second bottom strap, a first and a second goggles lens, and a bridge. The first and second goggles lenses are attached through the bridge and the first top and first bottom straps are opposedly attached to the first goggles lens and the second top and second bottom straps are opposedly attached to the second goggles lens. The top straps extend from said goggles at an angle in the range from about 35 to about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal line of said goggles, and the bottom straps form an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal line of the goggles, in the range from about 15 to about 70°.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for the removal of quick release couplings from a conduit. The tool has a body that is divided into a rotatably connected gripping portion and a release portion. Handles are connected to the body to activate the clamping and releasing action of the tool. Compressing the handles causes the gripping element to compress and the gripping portion and the release portion to rotate around the connection, creating a distance between the gripping and release elements. The release element has a pair of plates with neither, one or both of the plates being movable. Preferably the top plate has a spring member that retains the top plate adjacent the lower plate, thereby enabling a conduit to snap in and be maintained between the two plates. The clamping member can have a flat surface or at least one arc, and in come embodiments, the receiving member is a mirror image of the clamping member. An optional guide can be used adjacent the clamping member to prevent side to side movement.

Abstract: A method and machine for changing or renewing the color and/or light reflection, transmission, and absorption characteristics of an existing layer of synthetic agricultural mulch or prolonging the usefulness of the existing mulch by applying a layer of new mulch to the pre-existing mulch in a cultivated field using heat welding/fusion or adhesive or mechanical fastening for attachment of new mulch to existing mulch and at least one blower for clearing debris from the existing mulch prior to application of new mulch, with the machine being able to be drawn by a tractor, laborer, or draft animal.

Abstract: A portable speed bump, for use in limiting the speed of vehicles that are traveling on a road, is formed from a plurality of elongated speed bump modules. Each module has a cross-section that has at the most, a low slope from the outer edges toward the mid-line and a substantially increased slope proximate the module mid-line, a length of at least two feet, a width of at least one foot, and a height of at least one inch. Each module has an upper surface which has a concave slope region from outer edge to middle section and a convex middle section. Anti-skid elements can extend from the planar lower surface, whereby lateral movement of said speed bump is resisted. The elements can be a plurality of substantially parallel, outwardly angled anti-skid fingers.