Abstract: A microfluidic diagnostic device with a three-dimensional (3D) flow architecture comprises a polymeric body having first and second opposing surfaces and comprising first flow channels in the first opposing surface, second flow channels in the second opposing surface, and connecting flow passages extending through a thickness of the polymeric body to connect the first flow channels to the second flow channels, thereby defining a continuous 3D flow pathway in the polymeric body. The microfluidic diagnostic device also includes a first cover adhered to the first opposing surface to seal the first flow channels, a second cover adhered to the second opposing surface to seal the second flow channels, and one or more access ports in fluid communication with the continuous 3D flow pathway for introducing liquid reagent(s) and/or a sample into the polymeric body.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, system and/or device assist in dynamically optimizing preterm infants' oxygen saturation target range in a manner that is individualized to the infants' physiological state. In exemplary embodiments, oxygen saturation is dynamically targeted by monitoring the heart rate to determine a heart rate variability measurement and/or determining a pulmonary resilience measurement (PRM) in a preterm infant and adjusting an oxygen saturation target range for the preterm infant. In various embodiments, the heart rate variability measurement and/or PRM is evaluated against a pre-established threshold, and if the heart rate variability measurement and/or PRM meets or exceeds the pre-established threshold, the oxygen saturation target range is adjusted. Embodiments of the present disclosure can further optionally re-adjust the oxygen saturation target range at regular time intervals based on the heart rate variability measurement and/or PRM.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleat assembly having a base adapted for mounting on a surface with the base having at least one depending hollow cylindrical guide tube which extends through the mounting surface The cleat assembly includes a cleat member having a head adapted to be received by and seated on the cleat base and at least one cleat post which is received in the base guide tube and reciprocally movable therein. An elastomeric keeper member is attached to the cleat post and frictionally engages the guide tube providing infinitesimal positions of adjustment. The elastomeric keeper member in one embodiment has a faceted surface with longitudinally extending grooves to allow passage of liquids and debris. The keeper elements may be secured to the cleat posts by fasteners which serve to radially expand the elastomeric keepers. Additonal areas of cushioned frictional contact are provided between the post and guide tube to dampen rattling.

Abstract: A pull-up cleat apparatus with a cleat member having downwardly extending posts telescopically received in tubular extensions of a cleat base permitting the cleat member limited movement between an extended and a retracted position and held in position by detent means. The tubular extensions of the cleat base have screw threads on the outside surfaces for threadably mounting clamping elements to secure the cleat base to a boat deck or the like. The cleat member has a cleat head with an arched center and the cleat base includes a flat surfaced depression for receiving the cleat head with side openings in the depression for water drainage around the cleat head in the retracted position. Water is allowed to drain downwardly through the tubular extensions and is channeled to a suitable bilge area.

Abstract: A unique framing system is disclosed which provides efficient use of floor space for storing panel members in any one of several desired configuration. The several interactive components of the system interfit easily such that the system may be tailored into a variety of configurations to suit a particular application. Wheel assemblies may be mounted at each end of the frame assembly, and are also configured for easy application and removal.

Abstract: A rail fitting for marine application comprises first and second rail fitting parts designed to slide together on opposite sides of a rail and thereby interlock. Each rail fitting part is provided with an arcuate concavity designed to fit around a rail, a first end on one side of the concavity designed to interlock with a first end of the other rail fitting part, and a second end on an opposite side of the concavity designed to be fastened to a second end of the other rail fitting part by a fastener. The first end of the first rail fitting part is provided with an arcuate cavity having a degree of wrap of at least 180.degree.. The first end of the second rail fitting part is provided with a hinge arm having an arcuate end formed to fit and rotate within the arcuate cavity in the first end of the first rail fitting part. The concavity provided in each rail fitting part provides a combined arcuate concavity through which a railing may extend.

Abstract: A metal tubing rolling apparatus positions a metal tubing section between three Nylon rollers for bending into a desired curvature. The middle roller is adjustably mounted to be raised and lowered and to preset the degree of arc to be placed in the portion of the tubing section between the fixed rollers. A constraining mounting for the middle roller permits vertical travel of the middle roller while maintaining a coplanar relationship with the fixed rollers.

Abstract: A metal tubing bender forms arcs into metal tubing by engaging a swing-arm mounted roller against a clamped tubing section and rotating the roller through an arc necessary to place the desired degrees of bend into the tubing. The tubing is clamped against a forming plate that is provided with a peripheral groove of uniform radius and serves as a die for the forming operation. The forming plate stands out from a mounting plate and the roller swing arm fits between the mounting plate and the forming plate for stability of operation.

Abstract: A visual inspection system is described for radioactive nuclear fuel assemblies using fiberoptic technology. The system is provided in an underwater environment in a spent fuel pool and includes a radiation resistant fiberscope/closed circuit television camera system coupled to a three axes manipulator system. The fiberscope includes a radiation resistant fiberoptic image guide having a core manufactured of ultrapure silicon dioxide material so as to minimize transmission losses. The system provides the capability of performing visual inspection of the interior of radioactive nuclear fuel assemblies having channels formed between adjacent fuel elements as small as 0.070 inches. The fuel elements to be visually inspected are illuminated by a laser coupled to a fiberoptic light guide arranged adjacent to the fiberoptic image guide.

Abstract: A system constructed of three tools for manipulating fuel rods with a nuclear fuel assembly is disclosed. The individual tools are adapted for displacing fuel rods upwardly and downwardly along their longitudinal axes and for rotating same 360.degree. without having to remove the fuel rods from their location within a nuclear fuel assembly. The individual tools are operative on-site from a remote location while the nuclear fuel assembly is maintained underwater in a spent fuel pool. By manipulating the fuel rods, those areas previously hidden from visual inspection such as within grids may be inspected for defects and the like.

Abstract: A process for preventing the formation of deleterious coke deposits on the walls of coal liquefaction reactor vessels involves passing hydrogen and a feed slurry comprising feed coal and recycle liquid solvent to a coal liquefaction reaction zone while imparting a critical mixing energy of at least 3500 ergs per cubic centimeter of reaction zone volume per second to the reacting slurry.

Abstract: A method for removing sludge that may be deposited on a tubesheet of a steam generator comprises placement of fluid headers at the elevation of the sludge to be removed establishing a circumferential fluid stream at that elevation. A fluid lance is moved along the line between the headers emitting a pulsating fluid jet perpendicular to a line of movement of the fluid lance at an elevation substantially corresponding to the level of sludge deposits. The fluid jet forces the sludge to the periphery of the tubesheet where the sludge is entrained in and carried away by the circumferential fluid stream.

Abstract: Apparatus which can be remotely mounted in a tube in a tube sheet provides a platform for mounting a camera. The platform rotates about a shaft extending from the tube, tilts, and moves axially along the shaft to allow the camera to pan the entire tube sheet and equipment utilized to work thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering a small, measured amount of liquid chemicals, actuated by the effect of a cycling fluid level upon an air pump chamber connected to a chamber containing soluble, solid chemicals.