Abstract: A CD wallet with an entrapped graphics sheet and dedicated to the storing of a particular CD corresponding to the graphics on the entrapped graphics sheet, together with a method for fabricating the dedicated CD wallet. The wallet is fabricated of flexible panels of thermoplastic sheet material, and the entrapped graphics sheet includes two parallel scores thereon and is preferably of greater rigidity than the plastic panels, permitting the plastic panels to bend along the scores on the entrapped graphics sheet to form a spine when the graphics sheet is folded along the scores.

Abstract: A device for protectively storing collectible disks, in particular a plastic album leaf for protectively storing and displaying collectible disks such as milk caps or coins. The device comprises two flexible plastic panels in superposed relation, and securing means securing the panels in such relation with a first opening between the panels, the securing means including an arcuate seam sealing the superposed panels together along a circular arc for containing at least one-half but not the entirety of the disk between the panels within the arc of the seam, the arc of the seam exceeding 180.degree. and terminating at a second opening between the superposed panels of sufficient width for permitting passage therethrough and into the arc of at least one-half of the disk when the disk is received by the first opening for containing the entirety of the disk between the panels.

Abstract: A device for protectively holding a disk, and in particular a plastic wallet for protectively containing an optical digitally encoded disk such as a compact disc or CD. The wallet is fabricated of flexible thermoplastic sheet material and includes a pocket for containing the CD, as well as pockets arranged for containing a single graphics sheet viewable through the transparent front and rear covers of the wallet. A preferred embodiment of the CD wallet includes an opening through one of the sheets of the CD pocket for assisting in withdrawing the CD from its pocket.

Abstract: A warmer and dryer for fabric articles having a vertically disposed heated frame upon which one or more articles can be draped. A heated fluid is circulated through the frame by a pump that is mounted in the base of the frame. The frame is enclosed by a flexible enclosure made from a material that retains heat while at the same time allowing moisture to pass therethrough into the surrounding ambient. Sufficient heat is provided to warm the atmosphere within the enclosure.

Abstract: An expansible shaft assembly has core-engagement shoes pivotally mounted to a shaft for pivoting outwardly into tight engagement with the interior of a roll core automatically in response to the application of torque to the shaft. The core-engagement shoes have core-engaging surfaces, some being pivotable outwardly in response to torque applied to the shaft in one axial direction and others being pivotable outwardly in response to torque applied in the opposite axial direction. The respective oppositely-actuated core-engaging surfaces can both be on the same engagement shoe or, alternatively, on different shoes spaced axially along the shaft. For maximizing the speed with which the core-engagement shoes engage the core in response to torque application, the core-engaging surfaces are preferably angularly offset significantly from a radial direction extending between the axis of rotation of the shaft and the pivot axis of the engagement shoe.

Abstract: An elongate expansible shaft for a roll core has a peripheral surface defining multiple separate elongate slots helically intertwined and oriented at a pitch angle no greater than about 30.degree. measured from a longitudinal axis. Each slot is T-shaped in cross section and contains a respective separate, elongate, resilient bladder pneumatically expandable into frictional engagement with the core. The bladder has a unitary construction with hinge portions for minimizing the loss of force due to expansion of the bladder. An air inlet fitting is inserted in one end of each bladder and is independently connected to a respective separate valve for preventing the escape of air from the bladder irrespective of the air pressure in any other bladder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed. The patch may comprise a plurality of test zones for screening for a plurality of analytes. Additional positive and negative control zones are also disclosed. The patch may comprise a feature to detect tampering with the patch to produce false negative results, especially when used in screens for drugs of abuse. In addition to being useful as a drug of abuse screen, the patch is useful for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating leukocytes from a leukocyte contaminated blood fraction by use of a rotating membrane filter apparatus. The invention includes methods/devices for preparing substantially leukocyte free platelet concentrate for therapeutic use. The devices of the invention include a rotating membrane filter apparatus for leukocyte separation as well as tubing harness/component systems (FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c) useable in connection with automated apheresis instruments.

Abstract: An elongate expansible shaft for a roll core has a peripheral surface defining multiple separate elongate slots helically intertwined and oriented at a pitch angle no greater than about 30.degree. measured from a longitudinal axis. Each slot is T-shaped in cross section and contains a respective separate, elongate, resilient T-shaped bladder pneumatically expandable into frictional engagement with the core. The bladder has a unitary construction with hinge portions for minimizing the loss of force due to expansion of the bladder. An air inlet fitting is inserted in one end of each bladder and is independently connected to a respective separate valve for preventing the escape of air from the bladder irrespective of the air pressure in any other bladder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for holding photograph albums in localized association with photo negatives corresponding to the photoprints in the respective albums. The holder preferred embodiment includes three substantially rectangular panels, a first spine pivotally connecting a first one of the panels and a second one of the panels, and a second spine longitudinal parallel to the first spine pivotally connecting the second panel and a third one of the panels. Album retaining means are carried by the panels for retaining the photo albums thereon, and negatives storage means are also carried by the panels for storing photo negatives in respective localized association with the album retaining means.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for honing and treating the pad engaging surfaces of vehicle brake rotors or discs consisting of engaging the rotor surface with a plurality of moving abrasive elements mounted upon flexible resilient stems wherein a smooth finished surface is formed. The abrasive elements are rotated about an axis which may be coincident with the brake rotor axis of rotation during machining, or may be offset and parallel thereto, to produce a basket weave machining pattern. A plurality of hone holders may be used when the hone axis of rotation is offset relative to the rotor axis whereby both of the rotor's surfaces may be simultaneously finished. The practice of the invention also permits the braking surfaces of aluminum alloy rotors to be oxidized to form a hard, wear resistant finish thereon.

Abstract: A passive thermal mechanism for controlling the environmental temperature of a device having a battery and heat producing load contained within a portable housing so that the housing will remain in a thermally neutral condition and the battery will be maintained in an optimum operating condition.

Abstract: An improved thermocontact welding method and apparatus for producing welded seams joining superposed thermoplastic sheets, and in particular for producing solid seams in polypropylene and other polyolefin sheets. The method includes moving a lower platen for engaging an upper die assembly for applying pressure to interposed thermoplastic sheets at areas thereof between the die surface and the platen while the die surface is at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the sheets and while thermally isolating other areas of the sheets, and the welded sheets are coerced or ejected from the die surface during disengagement of the platen from the die assembly. A preferred product of the method is a polypropylene album leaf having pockets defined by solid weld seams for containing cards or photographs.

Abstract: A cooling stand for preconditioning a cooling probe containing a refrigerant that includes a well in which the probe is removably mounted against a heat transfer interface and a heat pump in the stand for removing energy from a thermal storage material to pre-cool the probe prior to use. In one embodiment of the invention, a cold reservoir containing a phase change material is mounted in the stand which acts as a heat sink for the heat pump. The heat pump is reversed when the probe is removed to cool the reservoir.

Abstract: A color camera employs a monochrome imager and a color filter plate that is divided into a plurality of primary color filter sections. The filter sections can be individually shuttered electronically for transmitting color sequential images onto the imager. In one embodiment there are red, blue, and green color filter sectors that radiate from a center at the optic axis of the camera. In an alternative embodiment, concentric annular color filters are provided.

Abstract: An improved thermocontact welding method and apparatus for producing welded seams joining superposed thermoplastic sheets, and in particular for producing solid seams in polypropylene and other polyolefin sheets. The method includes moving a lower platen for engaging an upper die assembly for applying pressure to interposed thermoplastic sheets at areas thereof between the die surface and the platen while the die surface is at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the sheets and while thermally isolating other areas of the sheets, and the welded sheets are coerced or ejected from the die surface during disengagement of the platen from the die assembly. A preferred product of the method is a polypropylene album leaf having pockets defined by solid weld seams for containing cards or photographs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive determination of one or more preselected analytes in a body fluid expressed through the skin. The fluid is collected in a dermal concentration patch and concentrated by driving off a portion of the substantial water fraction under the influence of body heat. The analyte is optimally complexed with an immobilized specific binding partner and an indicium of the presence of the analyte is visually expressed. The patch may comprise a plurality of test zones for screening for a plurality of analytes. Additional positive and negative control zones are also disclosed. The patch may comprise a feature to detect tampering with the patch to produce false negative results, especially when used in screens for drugs of abuse. In addition to being useful as a drug of abuse screen, the patch is useful for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a plurality of tool-holding carriages along an elongate guide member utilizes a single drive member to move all of the carriages simultaneously. The carriages each have clutches for selectively engaging or disengaging the drive member so that the carriages can be moved relative to each other by the drive member, and can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the guide member if desired. The drive member is capable of moving each carriage throughout its respective maximum range of movement with a continuous motion, without any reversal of the drive member or any disengagement of the respective carriage from the drive member. Each carriage has an electrically-powered position sensor capable of transmitting different discrete signals for different positions of the carriage so that it provides absolute indications of position rather than indications which are relative to some reference position.

Abstract: A system for automatically positioning a plurality of tool-holding carriages along an elongate guide member utilizes a single drive member to move all of the carriages simultaneously. The carriages each have clutches for selectively engaging or disengaging the drive member so that the carriages can be moved relative to each other by the drive member, and can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions along the guide member if desired. The drive member is capable of moving each carriage throughout its respective maximum range of movement with a continuous motion, without any reversal of the drive member or any disengagement of the respective carriage from the drive member. Each carriage has an electrically-powered position sensor capable of transmitting different discrete signals for different positions of the carriage so that it provides absolute indications of position rather than indications which are relative to some reference position.