Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open patient support frame suspended above a floor and a base for supporting and suspending a the frame during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced vertically translatable subassemblies reversibly attachable to the frame by a pair of fail-safe rotatable connector attachment mechanisms to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of a first and second outer end of the frame from the base structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved personal flotation devices and their methods of use. Advantageously, the devices and methods of the invention eliminate the need for a pyrotechnical firing mechanism, and compared to current devices, are less apt to be spontaneously activated by deterioration that is caused by storage in a humid environment or the passage of time. Instead, the devices and methods of use of the present invention incorporate electronic circuitry to activate automatic operation.

Abstract: Hydroelectric generators for harnessing potential energy from a flowing liquid source with a varying surface level. Hydroelectric generators may comprise platforms with buoyancies selected to remain suspended in the liquid source at a selected depth. In some examples, generation units may be fixed to the platform, the generation unit including turbines partially submerged in the liquid source, generators drivingly connected to the wheel, and electrical interfaces connected to the generator, the electrical interface configured to connect to an external power system. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include one or more anchors connected to the platform. In some examples, generation units may include rotors. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include projections extending into the liquid source and define channels between the projections.

Abstract: Hydroelectric generators for generating hydroelectric energy from a liquid drawn upstream of a cascading water feature, including an intake positioned upstream of the cascading water feature, a columnar conduit mounted substantially underground in fluid communication with the intake, the columnar conduit configured to collect a selected quantity of liquid from the intake to pressurize the liquid to a selected amount of head pressure, and a generation unit downstream and in fluid communication with the columnar conduit, the generation unit being configured to receive the pressurized liquid from the columnar conduit and he driven by the pressurized liquid to generate electricity.

Abstract: Hydroelectric generators for harnessing potential energy from a flowing liquid source with a varying surface level. Hydroelectric generators may comprise platforms with buoyancies selected to remain suspended in the liquid source at a selected depth. In some examples, generation units may be fixed to the platform, the generation unit including turbines partially submerged in the liquid source, generators drivingly connected to the wheel, and electrical interfaces connected to the generator, the electrical interface configured to connect to an external power system. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include one or more anchors connected to the platform. In some examples, generation units may include rotors. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include projections extending into the liquid source and define channels between the projections.

Abstract: Containers or linings formed from thermoplastic polymeric materials are provided which are suitable for use in transport and storage of aqueous oxidizing agents and the thermoplastic polymeric materials themselves. The thermoplastic polymeric materials such as polyethylene, forming the container or linings are stabilized against embrittlement caused by interaction with peracid solutions they contact by the incorporation of a thioether and preferably a hindered phenol anti-oxidant. The thioether particularly comprises additionally a hindered phenol and is, for example, a thiobisphenol. The stored peracid solutions exhibited improved storage stability. The containers or linings are particularly suitable for storing or transporting aqueous peracid solutions in locations enjoying relatively high ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Tungsten can be extracted into solution from tungsten carbide powder residues with aqueous hydrogen peroxide to a greater extent by employing in solution a catalytic quantity of hydrochloric acid, such as a mole ratio to the tungsten preferably in the range of at least 0.1:1 moles of HCl per mole tungsten, and often up to about 2.5 moles of HCl per mole of tungsten at 55.degree. to 85.degree. C. The selection of the mole ratio in practice usually takes into account the grade of tungsten carbide starting material. It is very preferable to use at least 7 moles hydrogen peroxide per mole of tungsten and an extraction temperature of 65.degree. to 75.degree. C.