Abstract: The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.

Abstract: Centrifuged anticoagulated blood samples are analyzed under magnification in a centrifuge tube containing a layer-elongating insert, which tube is placed on a calibrated slide. The slide includes a slot in which the tube is placed. A calibrated scale is disposed adjacent to the slot for use in measuring various blood sample parameters, such as hematocrit, platelet count, and the like. Anemia and/or low platelet counts are indicative of potentially serious complications of malaria. Their detection will prompt a physician to consider the liklihood of serious illness due to malaria. The presence or absence of blood-borne parasites can also be determined using the procedures of this invention. Thus the device allows a blood sample to be analyzed for malarial parasites, and also allows measurement of hematicrit and platelet counts.

Abstract: A flexible, tough electrical insulation is described for use in electric motors, generators, hermetic motors, transformers, and other electrical devices. The insulation described herein includes a layer of a cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate polymer (PCT), or one or more copolymers thereof. The PCT layer can be used in a film or in a nonwoven mat form, by itself, or alternatively, as a component of a laminate. The insulation can take the form of an insulating tape, an insulating sheet, an electric motor slot liner, motor wedges, or as some other die-cut insulating component. The insulation and products protected by the insulation can be used in a broad range of service application temperatures.

Abstract: A steam reformer for converting a reactor fuel into a product gas includes a segmented catalyst bed. The steam reformer side walls have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is greater than the thermal coefficient of expansion of the catalyst. By forming low volume catalyst bed segments in the hotter portions of the catalyst bed, slumping and subsequent damage of the catalyst pellets is minimized. The catalyst bed is divided into segments whose volumes are inversely proportional to the temperatures of the various zones in the reformer. The segments are formed by utilizing sequential catalyst support assemblies which include perforated catalyst support members that are differentially spaced apart from each other by support assembly legs having varying lengths. Catalyst support assemblies with shorter length legs are used in the hotter zones of the reformer, and support assemblies with progressively longer length legs are used in the cooler zones of the reformer.

Abstract: Constituent layers are harvested from a centrifuged material mixture contained in a centrifuge tube assembly. The centrifuge tube assembly includes a transparent tube, one end of which is closed by an elastomeric cap. The tube contains one or more detectable constituent layer boundary markers which will settle gravimetrically in the material mixture when the latter is centrifuged. The markers will identify boundaries of the constituent layers which will gravimetrically separate from each other during the centrifugation step. After centrifugation, a cannula is inserted into the tube through the elastomeric cap, and a fluid material such as a liquid or a gas is injected into the tube through the cannula. The injected material displaces the centrifuged mixture column and the boundary markers toward the end of the tube opposite the cap, which opposite end is open so that the centrifuged material is expressed from the tube therethrough.

Abstract: In most mammals studied, a histogram of the erythrocytes' density of a healthy individual normally has a Gaussian distribution. Gaussian or near-Gaussian distributions may be characterized by their mean, by their standard deviation, and their absence of skewness. A measurement of the erythrocyte density distribution (EDD) in mammalian whole blood which has been anticoagulated with heparin can yield information which is indicative of certain physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions that are characterized by various EDD abnormalities. These abnormalities may include abnormalities in the standard deviation of the EDD; the mean erythrocyte density; and any skewness of the EDD curve. The hematocrit or percent packed red cell volume, which is obtained at the same time as the EDD can also yield information.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell device with an internal water management and transfer system includes a plurality of adjacently arranged proton exchange membrane assemblies including a proton exchange membrane component; a pair of porous anode and cathode catalyst layers situated on either side of the proton exchange membrane; and porous plate assemblies interposed between and in contact with each of the adjacent proton exchange membrane assemblies. Oxidant gas is supplied to oxidant gas supply channels, and fuel gas to fuel gas supply channels formed in the porous plate assemblies for distribution to the cathode and anode catalyst layers, respectively. A water coolant circulating system is formed in each of the porous plate assemblies and causes each of the porous plate assemblies to become saturated with coolant water. The reactant flow fields are pressurized to a pressure which exceeds the coolant water circulating pressure by a selected .DELTA.

Abstract: A disposable blood pressure cuff is made from a composite of a non-stretchable paper component and an elastic thermoplastic material component. The paper component provides the necessary outer circumferential strength for the cuff so that it will not stretch outwardly when it is inflated. The thermoplastic layer provides an inwardly expandable surface for contacting a limb of the patient which the cuff encircles. A tape tab is included to releasably attach the cuff to the patient's limb. The tab is provided with a visible indicium which indicates the proper degree of overlap of the ends of the cuff when the latter is affixed to the patient's limb. The cuff may be used by only one patient, and may be discarded when the patient is finished with it. The cuff is provided with a one-piece slip luer fitting which includes a flange disposed within the chamber, and an annular tube projecting through an outer component of the cuff.

Abstract: The powder actuated tool has a modular construction which comprises: a firing pin module; a pistol grip module; and a fastener driving module. The firing pin module and the fastener driving module are readily detachable from the pistol grip module so that if any module is damaged, or needs maintenance, it may be readily removed and replaced at low cost and at no inconvenience to the user. The fastener driving module includes a barrel which is reciprocally slidably mounted in the pistol grip module. A fastener driving piston is carded in the barrel and a piston return pawl is mounted on the pistol grip module for returning the piston from a fired position to a firing position via a slot in the barrel. Combustion gas ports in the barrel bleed gases from the barrel bore adjacent to the firing chamber. The bled gases pass through external grooves in the barrel to reentry ports communicating with the barrel bore, whereby tool noise is muffled.

Abstract: A fiberglass or other material skin is applied to a composite airfoil structure in a mold assembly having a partially compliant caul plate component which defines the shape of the lower surface of the airfoil. The caul plate component includes a first portion which is essentially rigid and which covers the leading edge of the airfoil. The rigid portion of the caul plate component provides improved conformation of the airfoil skin to the leading edge of the airfoil. The caul plate component also includes a compliant portion which covers and defines the shape of the trailing edge of the lower surface of the airfoil. The stiffness of the caul plate component also has a variable stiffness zone which interconnects the rigid and compliant portions thereof.

Abstract: Tableware in the form of a plate is provided with a conventional food-receiving surface, which food-receiving surface is formed with a hollowed out recess which is sized to snugly receive the bowl of a spoon or fork. The hollowed out recess is operable to locate the edge of the bowl of the eating utensil at or below the food-receiving surface of the plate so that food can be smoothly slid from the plate onto the utensil bowl. The handle of the utensil rests on the edge of the plate when the utensil bowl is disposed in the plate recess so that a person is able to use only one hand to position the utensil properly on the plate; sweep food into the utensil bowl with the same hand; and to pick up the utensil with the same hand to consume the food in the utensil bowl. A plate which is configured with the utensil-receiving recess enables one to use only one hand to consume food from the plate.

Abstract: A patient's health may be diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more bodies or groups of bodies such as floats, inserts, liposomes, or plastic beads of different densities. Each density-defined body carries analyte-capture binding materials such as antigens or antibodies, which are specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on a target analyte which target analyte may be in the blood or other sample being tested; and the level of which analyte is indicative of the patient's health. At least one labeled binding material which is also specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on the target analyte is added to the sample so as to form labeled binding material/analyte/body complexes in the sample.

Abstract: The caffeine content of a beverage is measured by inserting a dipstick into the beverage. The dipstick is impregnated with a reagent that changes color when reacted with caffeine. The degree of color change will be proportional to the concentration of caffeine in the beverage. The dipstick may be provided with a graded color chart which can be compared to the color of the dipstick so as to ascertain the concentration of caffeine in the beverage. The dipstick will preferably include a beverage dipping section; an adjacent temperature moderation section; and an adjacent reagent-impregnated section. The beverage is preferably wicked from its container to the reagent-impregnated section of the dipstick. In this manner, the reagent is never directly admixed with the beverage in the container.

Abstract: An improved assay of target components in a sample utilizes specific gravity-altering particles which are attached to the target components by specific antibodies. The attached specific gravity-altering particles are preferably liposomes which will buoy or sink the targets to a common level in the specimen sample when the latter has been centrifuged in a transparent tube. The liposomes can provide an accentuated and more pronounced indication of the presence of the targets in the sample due to their ability to contain many multiples of fluorescent or non-fluorescent dye molecules with minimal steric interference with the attached antibodies' binding ability.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an endoscope along a canal-shaped cavity includes an endoscope having a movable distal end for entry into the cavity and a stationary operating end which remains outside of the cavity. A first portion of the endoscope is contained in a turnout tube which has a turnout area for entry into the cavity, and which also has a fixed end which remains outside of the cavity. A second portion of the endoscope extends from the fixed end of the turnout tube to the operating end of the endoscope. A first drive assembly is operable to move the endoscope and the turnout tube in unison, and a second drive assembly is operable to move the endoscope independently of the turnout tube. A lubricant may be applied through the fixed end of the turnout tube to the portions of the endoscope which are disposed within the turnout tube.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber which are separated by the electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell directly oxidizes a liquid methanol fuel which is fed into the anode chamber from a liquid methanol storage container. The liquid methanol is mixed with water in the anode chamber, and the mixture passes into and through the electrolyte membrane. Some of the methanol and water pass through the membrane into the cathode chamber and into a process air stream which moves through the cathode chamber. The methanol and water are removed from the cathode chamber by evaporation into the process air stream, which then is directed into a condenser/radiator. The methanol and water vapors are condensed in the condenser/radiator, from whence the condensed water and methanol are returned to the anode chamber of the cell. The evaporating cathode process air stream provides oxygen for the fuel cell reaction, and also cools the cell.

Abstract: The cell stack assembly of a fuel cell power plant is provided with a cooling system which provides optimum cell operating temperatures across each cell in the stack and also produces an optimum amount of steam. The cooling system includes at least one bypass through which a fraction of the coolant is fed from the coolant inlet side of the stack to the coolant outlet side of the stack. The bypass ensures that a fraction of the coolant is not heated to its target operating temperatures as it passes through the stack. This results in a more uniform cell operating temperature profile from the coolant inlet to the coolant outlet side of each cell; and also results in a lessening of excess steam production in the power plant.

Abstract: The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.

Abstract: The blades and the outer case of an encased engine, such as a turbo engine or the like will expand and contract during periods of operation. Blade expansion and contraction can result from operating temperature changes, rotational velocity changes, or the like. The engine casing includes a segmented seal which is properly spaced apart from the engine blade tips so as to provide optimum operation of the engine. Proximity sensors mounted on the engine detect the radial clearance of the engine blades to the seal segments at all times. The seal segments are mounted on a corrugated piezoelectric support which is electrically stimulated so as to properly adjust the seal segments relative to the blade tips to provide the proper spacing as the blades and case expand and contract. Appropriate stimulation of the piezoelectric support will move the seal segments toward or away from the blade tips as needed.

Abstract: A track-guided transport vehicle system for transporting high loads along a travel path contains for the drive a synchronous linear drive with a long stator along the travel path and an exciter winding on the vehicle. The long stator generates a travelling field that cooperates with a static magnetic field generated by an exciter winding on the vehicle so as to propel the vehicle. In order to supply electric drive energy to the compressor unit serving to generate compressed air for the air cushions, a higher frequency alternating current is superimposed on the current supplied to the windings along the track, with the higher frequency alternating current being coupled by a transformer effect into the winding on the vehicle. The energy can be coupled out there by means of a rectifier and be made available for feeding the electric motor of the compressor unit.