Abstract: A device grips the sheath of a medical needle so that the needle can be retracted from it with one hand and to hold the sheath while the needle is in use. The device has at least two elements that are resiliency connected together, with openings formed within the elements into which the sheath can be pushed. The elements and openings act as a valve that allows the sheath to be pushed into the openings but prevents the sheath from being pulled out of the openings as a result of two holes to be out of alignment thus gripping the sheath. The device also holds the sheath against rotating so that a syringe can be twisted off the needle. The device allows the needle to be sheathed after use with reduced risk of needle stick injury.

Abstract: An apparatus for disabling a telephone ringer includes a light sensing device operable to produce a signal indicative of a level of ambient light; and a controller operable to receive the signal and disable the telephone ringer when the signal indicates that the ambient light has reached a predetermined level.

Abstract: A vibration reduction system including a base, a disturbance generating device, and at least one active mount connecting the base and disturbance generating device for imparting a force at a point on the base to minimize the transmission of the disturbance to the base. The active mount includes a passive element on which the disturbance generating device is supported, an actuator for imparting a force on at least the base, a sensor located on the base for sensing the total force imparted by the active mount at the selected point and generating a corresponding signal, and a controller for generating an input signal corresponding to the force to be imparted by the actuator on at least the base and sending the input signal to the actuator. The controller regulates an impedance error as a function of the signal received from the sensor to generate the input signal.

Abstract: A two-cycle internal combustion engine configuration and control strategy in which the unburned hydrocarbon emissions are measured in the exhaust manifold during the scavenging process using a fast response air fuel sensor. The signal from the sensor is used to control the operation of a low pressure ratio blower and the inlet fuel and oil flow. In this way the inlet flow of fuel and air may be reduced which controls the short circuiting loss of fuel during the scavenging process and reduces unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A new two-cycle internal combustion engine configuration and control strategy in which the unburned hydrocarbon emissions are measured in the exhaust manifold during the scavenging process using a fast response air fuel sensor. The signal from the sensor is used to control the operation of a low pressure ratio blower and the inlet fuel and oil flow. In this way the inlet flow of fuel and air may be reduced which controls the short circuiting loss of fuel during the scavenging process and reduces unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: An apparatus operable in cooperation with a bed having a top surface and opposite head and foot ends for applying traction to a patient's lower back, including a lower sheet extending from the head end lengthwise to the foot end, said sheet including excess length at the head end of said bed, pulling means for pulling said lower sheet lengthwise toward the foot end of said bed, and an upper sheet having one end fixedly attached to said head end of said bed and extending lengthwise about halfway to said foot end, said upper sheet positioned above and lying on said lower sheet said pulling means adapted to periodically pull said lower sheet lengthwise in the foot end direction a predetermined distance, wherein movement of the lower sheet with the patient's buttocks and legs lying thereon effects a frictional pull in the foot end direction on said buttocks and legs, and wherein the weight of the patient's upper body on the fixed upper sheet effects a frictional resistance in the opposite direction on the patient