Abstract: A one-shot thermally activated release mechanism, the release mechanism including a spiral or helically wound spring wrapped around a set of jaws in a manner that prevents the jaws from expanding; held in this tightened position by two wires, with one wire fixed to the body of a member of the jaws and the second wire attached to the spring, the wires bonded together by a solder or other fusible material. The jaws restrict the movement of a plunger. Heating the solder causes release of the spring and enables expansion of the jaws, allowing movement of the plunger. A bias force on the plunger assists in movement of the plunger past the expanding jaws.

Abstract: The invention is an electromagnetic probe used in conjunction with a ferrofluid containng M particles. The electromagnetic probe is used to steer M-particles to a desired location, or use the M particles for mixing the ferrofluid. The probe can be used in conjunction with a microscope, a micromanipulator, a catheter or endoscope.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for depositing a high temperature superconductor onto a substrate in vacuum comprising a refilling device for containing a stock of high temperature superconductor material, an evaporation device, that evaporates the high temperature superconductor material within an evaporation zone by means of an energy transferring medium, and a conveyor that transports the high temperature superconductor material continuously from the refilling device to the evaporation zone in such a way that the high temperature superconductor material delivered into the evaporation zone is evaporated essentially without residues.

Abstract: A newborn transfusion cell washing device generally comprising a disposable, graduated test tube shaped container having a cap with an inlet port, an injection/sampling port, a suction port, and a vent. The container is capable of being inserted into a conventional clinical centrifuge. The device requires a relatively small volume to operate, 25 ml or less per procedure, and can be performed easily by any hospital blood bank technologist without any special skills. Washed RBCs can be provided to the patient in a timely manner, without the need for “fresh blood.” Any in-dated RBCs can be washed to remove excessive potassium and other toxins. The main RBC aliquot can be saved and repeatedly sampled until the unit is expired or exhausted. This provides a cost savings to the hospital and more importantly, minimizes the recipient's donor exposure.

Abstract: An optical system for the production of images, comprising an all optical system is disclosed. Said all optical system manipulates images directly by digital electronics without loss in the number of resolvable spots at higher magnifications.

Abstract: A measurement system apparatus is provided, which includes an elongated bar and a plurality of discrete measurement unit pieces received along the bar. The elongated bar is metered in accordance with a measurement system. Each measurement unit piece represents an incremental unit of the measurement system. A method is also provided for instructing a student as to a measurement system which generally includes the steps of providing an elongated bar, with the bar being metered along its length to reflect incremental units of a measurement system, providing a plurality of measurement unit pieces corresponding to the metered incremental units of the measurement system, and placing selected measurement unit pieces along the elongated bar.

Abstract: An actuating magnet is disclosed comprising an actuating means (2) for exerting a tensile or pressure force on a target element that is to be moved, switched, or latched or unlatched, and comprising a latching means for latching the actuating means (2) in a desired position, the latching means having a locking magnet (11) for locking and unlocking the actuating means (2).

Abstract: A screening machine includes wall members, a screen assembly, and a compression assembly. The screen assembly includes a frame with a plurality of side members and a screen supported by the frame. The compression assembly is attached to at least one wall member and forms the screen assembly into a concave shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for estimation of general and localized corrosion penetration rates of metallic materials and objects. The invention can also be used to discriminate between general and localized corrosion. A one, two or three electrode probe having electrodes (101, 102, 103) made of the same material as the material being monitored is located in the same corrosive environment as the material being monitored. An electrochemical harmonic analysis is performed and electrochemical noise signals are monitored, and the resulting responses are analyzed and compared to discriminate between general and localized corrosion attack and to determine a localized corrosion penetration rate. A law frequency sine wave is applied to the working electrode. Harmonic analysis of the electrode response provides information regarding the general corrosion rate and the stern-geary constant.

Abstract: Adipomodulin (a light chain molecule) and related molecules and methods useful in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Abstract: An aircraft spraying conversion kit which provides for the aerial dispensing of a fire extinguishing agent. The kit includes a dispensing manifold assembly removably coupled to an open aircraft door which is supported by a support frame having two parallel support legs which also lock the opened aircraft door in a predetermined open position while the aircraft is in flight.

Abstract: A method for controlling an insulin pump through the Internet. The method comprises the steps of ascertaining whether a logged-in person is a physician; determining the logged-in person as a nurse when the logged-in person is not a physician, receiving a patient's blood sugar level data and generating a command to change an insulin injection amount; checking whether the logged-in person is an attending physician when the logged-in person is a physician, and changing the logged-in person to an attending physician when the logged-in person is not an attending physician; and driving a corresponding insulin pump having the patient's ID by transmitting through the Internet and Bluetooth modules a new prescription made in consideration of a current blood sugar level measurement and insulin injection amount, when the logged-in person is an attending physician or when the logged-in person is changed to an attending physician.

Abstract: Efficient process control of a rotary breaker is dependent upon the rate at which aggregate material is delivered to the rotary breaker. An improved pre-screening apparatus provides enhanced control of the amount of undersized material allowed to bypass the rotary breaker, thus allows some control of feed rate other than the upstream mining conditions. Further, a variable speed drive mechanism allows for enhanced control of the breaking process occurring within the rotary breaker. These improvements allow for the increase in maximum feed rate to an existing rotary breaker or allows for the installation of smaller and more economical original equipment. In addition, an improved discharge mechanism is provided to increase the discharge rates of a breaker without varying size or speed of rotation. These improvements allow for advanced automated process control.

Abstract: A multilength tubular transporter is provided, comprising a base frame, including at least two main beams, wherein the main beams are connected by a plurality of cross members, a floor substantially covering the areas defined by the main beams and cross members; a plurality of substantially vertical guide members connected to each of the main beams; a lifting arrangement operatively connected to the base frame for enabling the transporter to be lifted to and from a vehicle; a stacking device operatively connected to the base frame for engaging the guide members of a second transporter, wherein the transporters may be securely stacked; and wherein the base frame includes one or more winches for securing tubulars within the transporter.

Abstract: A system for coupling a plurality of pipes end-to-end in a locked configuration to thereby form an enclosed conduit comprising a first pipe having a receiving end and an insertion end, a first annular ring track formed on an inner surface of the receiving end; a second pipe, the second pipe having an insertion end and a receiving end, an opposing annular ring track formed on an outer surface of the insertion end; the receiving end of the first pipe sized to tightly receive the insertion end of the second pipe; an anti-reversing locking ring having a partial conic profile, the ring having a leading edge formed on a larger diameter opening of the ring, the ring having a trailing edge formed on a smaller diameter opening of the ring; and the ring positioned in the first ring track of the first pipe with the leading edge of the ring closer to the receiving end than the insertion end, such that when the insertion end of the second pipe is inserted into the receiving end of the first pipe, the trailing end of the r

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a fixed bearing prosthesis and a mobile bearing prosthesis. The fixed bearing prosthesis comprises a tibial component, a femoral component and a meniscal component and addressees the loss of congruency during deep knee flexion and the possible direct, repetitive contact of the tibial and femoral components. The tibial component of the fixed bearing prosthesis includes a tibial platform having an anterior and posterior edge. The meniscal component of the fixed bearing prosthesis includes a posterior ridge overlapping the posterior edge of the tibial platform that prevents metal-to-metal contact during deep knee flexion. The mobile bearing prosthesis comprises generally a tibial component, a femoral component and a meniscal component addresses the lack of conformity to natural biomechanical movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical combinations of opioid and non-opioid analgesics in an intimate admixture with caffeine and an analgesic from a series of N-acylated 4-hydroxyphenylamine derivatives, linked via an alkylene bridge to the nitrogen atom of a 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 1,1-dioxide group and methods for their use to alleviate pain in mammals. The analgesic combinations exhibit enhanced analgesic potency and are free from antipyretic activity, do not suppress blood coagulation, and have little hepatotoxic effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurethane surface and more specifically to a polyurethane surface derived from the catalyzed reaction of equivalent volumes of a polyisocyanate component and an active hydrogen component. The two-component system achieves optimal gel time and cure response for application as an athletic surface having an isocyanate index between about 105 and 115. Moreover, the present invention achieves these results with a 1:1 by volume two-component system, which minimizes mixing errors during application of the surface.

Abstract: A multi-function portable lavatory apparatus is provided that may be used as a self-supporting portable seat in conjunction with a conventional toilet, as well as a minimal contact portable seat in conjunction with portable bathroom facilities that typically comprise a fixed toilet seat mounted directly upon a waste holding tank.

Abstract: A guard device for an externally mounted vehicle refrigeration unit is provided, comprising an open frame assembly constructed from steel tubing, and having a mounting base, wherein the mounting base includes at least two rigid members adapted to connect to a vehicle body. The guard device includes a front airflow portion, a top access port, and a bottom access port. A front airflow panel is connected to and covers the front airflow portion. A pair of side access ports are also provided within the frame assembly, wherein each side access port is adjacent to the front airflow portion. The side access ports are each covered by reinforced side access panels.