Abstract: A poultry litter is disclosed in two preferred embodiments: compacted peat in fragments ranging in nominal diameter from 1/8 of an inch to 11/2 inches, and compacted peat fragments combined with a conventional litter material such as wood shavings, with the peat accounting for at least ten percent of the mixture weight. In this latter case, the peat fragments preferably have nominal diameters no greater than 1/8 of an inch. Preferably the peat is of the reed sedge type, with a pH of from 3.5 to 4.5, and a moisture content of no more than fifty percent by weight. For enhanced capacity to absorb moisture and dust control, the peat fragments are provided with a coating of a feed grade petroleum based oil, vegetable oil or animal fat.

Abstract: A biocompatible covering, soluble in body fluids, surrounds the fixation helix of an implantable cardiac electrode as the electrode, and its adjoining lead, are inserted intravenously to a selected cardiac chamber. The covering size and shape are selected for protection of blood vessels and other body tissues during insertion, and for exposure of the fixation element shortly after its proper positioning. The covering may be applied to the fixation element by a dip coating process, or formed separately by casting or injection molding, for later attachment to the lead distal end using an adhesive.

Abstract: A system for determining the relative orientation in three dimensions between a fixed frame of reference and an unconstrained object. Mutual coupling between three orthogonally disposed transmitting coils driven by a multifrequency source and three orthogonal receiving coils produce sets of analog voltages which are sampled; digitized and processed using a fast fourier transform device to yield directional components for determining the pitch and yaw angles about a line-of-sight axis. By using a multi-frequency source to drive the transmitting coils and by deriving coordinate component measurements to at least two discrete frequencies, errors in the results due to eddy currents in surrounding conductive structures can be compensated for.

Abstract: A vest garment to be worn by persons working out of doors and which has an array of photovoltaic cells mounted on the back panel thereof. The individual cells are connected in series relationship with one another across a pair of output terminals which are brought out through a belt attached along the waistband of the vest to an output jack. The voltage developed across the photocell array may then be used to charge rechargeable batteries suspended from the belt or, alternatively, they be coupled to an input jack of a power tool having a self-contained rechargeable battery whereby charging current is generated when the vest is being worn out of doors.

Abstract: A frame for properly aligning to glass masters on opposite sides of a substrate is disclosed. The frame includes: (a) first alignment means comprised of spherical balls projecting from one frame member intended to mate with associated concave ball receiving surfaces associated with the other frame member; and (b) second alignment means comprised of pins capable of being inserted into bores in one frame member and pin seats in the second frame member. The frame also includes a pump and solenoid valve. Depending upon the position of the valve, the pump will either draw air from between the frame members to close the frame or push air between the frame members to open the frame.

Abstract: A low-cost system for allowing manual or automatic aiming of a plurality of motor-driven devices distributed throughout an area from a common control center location. When in a manual mode, the operator may manipulate a four quadrant touch pad or a joy stick device to develop binary control signals indicative of rotational direction and the on/off state of a motor control chip associated with each of the motors. The control signals are distributed over a master bus and optionally over additional local buses to the appropriate motor control chips. In an automatic mode, the same control signals are generated to produce repetitive sweeping of the motor-driven devices through a predetermined arc.

Abstract: A locking mechanism to secure a coin operated vending machine includes an elongate locking bar insertable into a housing of the vending machine to secure closed a door hingedly mounted to the housing. A pair of metal loops integral with the door, and a pair of cover plates integral with the housing, are aligned to simultaneously contain the locking bar when the door is closed. A key-operated lock cylinder, mounted in recessed fashion inside the housing, supports a latch for pivotal movement toward and away from a latching position, wherein the latch enters a slot formed in the locking bar to keep the locking bar in its locking position. A reinforcing plate, with a keyway and a larger opening to permit insertion of the locking bar, protects the locking mechanism against tampering to discourage unauthorized entry into the vending machine.

Abstract: An injector device for a plunger-type pump of the type having one or more cylinders, an intake valve for each cylinder operatively disposed between the pump's low pressure inlet port and each of its cylinders and outlet valve(s) for each cylinder operatively disposed between the cylinders and the pump's high pressure outlet port, where the intake and outlet valves are held in place by removable threaded plugs which afford access to the valves so that they can be repaired or replaced. The injector device comprises a threaded plug member adapted to replace one of the removable plugs used to hold an intake valve in place, but also includes a longitudinal bore in which is mounted a one-way check valve. The inlet side of the check valve is adapted to be coupled to a chemical supply tank. Also, a restrictor is placed between the particular intake valve held in place by the injector plug and the pump's inlet port.

Abstract: An adhesive coated sheet particularly shaped to facilitate the anchoring of a nasal-gastric tube to the nose of a patient to prevent accidental dislodgment thereof.

Abstract: Gas permselective membranes having a high selectivity and high flux are prepared by plasma polymerizing a coating onto the surface of a microporous membrane substrate. Two types of coatings are disclosed. Gas separatory modules utilize the novel membranes in the form of hollow fibers.

Abstract: A positive fixation cardiac lead includes an electrode sleeve/crimp tube assembly in which a recess is formed for retaining a drug impregnated matrix. The electrode sleeve and crimp tube threadedly engage, to permit insertion of the matrix prior to their assembly. The distal end section of the crimp tube can be provided with a helical groove corresponding to the shape of a fixation helix, with the sleeve and distal section spaced from one another to permit insertion of an annular drug matrix. The distal portion of the electrode sleeve can have an annular groove formed to receive a length of platinum wire, for increased electrode sensitivity.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac pacing lead includes a porous, platinum electrode, a flexible electrically conductive coil, and a crimp tube coupling the electrode to the distal end of the coil. A recess in the crimp tube, open to the electrode at the crimp tube distal end, houses a matrix impregnated with a therapeutic drug. The electrode is highly porous and loaded with a therapeutic drug in liquid or solid form. Immediately upon implant of the electrode at a selected myocardial location, the electrode begins dispensing the therapeutic drug. Meanwhile, the matrix begins to elute its drug at a rate more suited to chronic treatment. If desired, the recess can extend through the crimp tube to permit proximal end loading of the drug carrying matrix. A silicone plug, or an additional and proximal crimp tube section, is inserted into the recess after loading of the matrix to provide the required fluid seal.

Abstract: An anti-sway system for a steerable vehicle of the type employing a torsion bar suspension. Operatively coupled to the torsion bar for each of the vehicle's steerable wheels or skis is a mechanism for increasing the effective spring rate of the suspension upon cornering over that prevailling when steering a straight line course.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing indicia upon a continuous paper web, and including an ink retaining robbon, supply and take-up reels for the ribbon, and with a web path for the paper web and ink ribbon being defined, and with a printing station situated in the web paths. The printing station includes a numbering machine with indicia to be printed, with the printing station further including a skate assembly which carries a rotatable pressure ring. The skate assembly is mounted upon an endless belt, and is arranged to run in a direction transverse to the paper web path. A single motor means is provided, and includes a first drive for providing intermittent draw-dwell motion to the paper web, while providing continuous motion of the endless belt carrying the skate assembly. The skate assembly is timed to move across the paper during paper dwell periods.

Abstract: A concrete mixing vehicle having a retractable tag axle assembly and a distribution chute is disclosed. To ensure that the tag axle assembly does not come into contact with the distribution chute as the tag axle assembly as it moves between a first ground engaging position and a second elevated position, a limit switch is provided in the control circuit for the tag axle assembly. The limit switch only permits movement of the tag axle assembly when the distribution chute is outside of the tag axle assembly's path of travel as it moves between said first and second positions.

Abstract: A tubular catheter having an inflatable expander member mounted thereon at the distal end thereof is provided with an extremely fine slit passing through the wall of the tubular catheter such that when a liquid is introduced under pressure into the proximal end thereof for inflating the balloon, any air present in the lumen of the catheter and in the yet unexpanded balloon is forced out through the slit. The slit or vent opening through the tube wall is so small that when the catheter is again aspirated to remove the purging fluid, air does not re-enter the expander through the vent opening.

Abstract: A thermally conductive laminate structure for use as a mounting base and/or chassis attachment member in combination with solid-state electronic devices, the laminate preferably comprising up to five layers including a pair of outer metallic layers disposed on opposite sides of center composite layers of electrically insulative layers separated by an interposed metallic layer. The center insulative layers are films of polyimide(amide) material, with the polyimide(amide) film being filled with a quantity of aluminum oxide, boron nitride, or other suitable particulate solid in an amount ranging from between about 30% and 100% by weight of polyimide(amide) solids. The outer layers are metallic, with the base member being a metallic pad of copper or aluminum, and with the opposed metallic layer being copper and arranged in a printed circuitry pattern or array.

Abstract: Apparatus for accommodating a purchaser at a vendor's check-out station or the like with the check writer being provided with a communication line for validating and clearing checks, along with a register for determining the transaction total. The apparatus and system of the present invention further permits the purchaser/customer to insert a check blank from a personal checking account into the writer, and means are provided for printing appropriate indicia on the check blank, including date, payee, and amount of the check, and further having an opening for enabling the person to execute the already-imprinted check.