Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the type of a blood sample are provided wherein a turbidity spectrum of the blood sample is collected over a predetermined wavelength range, from which is calculated an extinction spectrum. This extinction spectrum is then compared with a set of control spectra collected from control blood samples having known blood types, from which the type of the blood sample can be determined. A further method is provided for for detecting the presence of a substance in a bodily fluid sample, the substance having a size in the range of generally 0.5 to 20 .mu.m. Exemplary substances that could be of interest to detect include, but are not limited to, hemoglobin, bilirubin, red blood cell antigens, microorganisms, and viruses. This embodiment includes the additional step of deconvoluting the extinction spectrum to obtain a particle size distribution for comparison with a database of control samples.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for evaluating and relieving the symptoms associated with joint disorders. The cannula device has two channels extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The first is used to retain an arthroscope; the second, an optical fiber for transmitting laser radiation. In a particular embodiment, the device may be used for performing surgical procedures within a temporomandibular joint space including, but not limited to, releases, myotomies, and coagulation. This arrangement permits the collocation of the visualizing and surgical implements, obviating the need for triangulation by the surgeon. A third channel is provided for the introduction of irrigating fluid into the joint space. The method disclosed includes inserting the cannula into the joint space, inserting the arthroscope and fiber into their respective channels, and positioning them to perform the desired procedure.

Abstract: A framed picture is constructed for protecting a frame thereof from damage such as when knocked over on a desk or table. The framed picture preferably includes a transparent sheet defining a picture covering, a picture positionally aligned adjacent the picture covering for viewing therethrough, and a backing sheet member positioned to underlie back portions of the picture and to support front portions of the picture against the picture covering, and a frame body integrally formed from a unitary piece of a soft, pliable material. The frame body preferably has a front portion which includes a first opening formed therein arranged for viewing a picture therethrough and a back portion which includes a second opening formed therein positionally aligned with the first opening. The second opening receives the picture covering, the picture, and the backing sheet member therein.

Abstract: A hidden lead package device is configured to be placed between a leadless component such as a surface mount package (SMP) used to house a SAW device and a standard printed circuit board configured for solder joints in a leadless contact with the printed circuit board. The hidden lead device is made using materials having similar characteristic thermal expansion properties as that of the SMP and printed circuit board pads to which the hidden lead is affixed. The hidden lead extends across the underside of the SMP along the PCB surface. One end of the lead is brazed to an SMP pad and the opposite end is soldered to a communicating PCB pad. The brazing temperature is higher than the reflow temperature for the solder. The hidden lead device causes the relative movement between the leadless carrier and the printed circuit board to occur along a length of the hidden lead and thus minimizes tensional or compressive forces to the solder joints.

Abstract: A floway for cleansing water of pollutants is presented that has an upstream weir wherein water to be cleansed is admitted, a downstream weir wherefrom water is discharged, and curbs extending between the weirs for retaining water along the sides. The bottom surface is specifically textured conducive for growing a bed of algae to form an algal turf thereon. The algae bioassimilates pollutants from the water and is harvested periodically by a vacuum system having a notched, rotating nozzle at the intake end. An ultraviolet reactor positioned at the downstream end is used to degrade volatile organic compounds. In addition, the water surface is disturbed to change the angle of incidence of light and focus additional light energy on the algae.

Abstract: To entertain fans at sporting events, such as baseball, basketball backboards, palm trees, hockey and soccer goals are provided as targets for fans to participate by tossing objects at the target. Targets are strapped to a person moving through the stands. In one configuration the target is attached to a backpack and raised over the head using a telescoping mechanism attached between the target and the backpack worn by the operator. In another configuration the target is attached to a helmet worn by the person working the crowd. Both the helmet and backpack arrangement use mounting brackets for attachment of the target members. To telescope the target overhead from the backpack, concentric tubes are extended from within each other using a pulley and cable system controlled by the operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a three-dimensional article includes dispensing build material and thermally normalizing predetermined portions thereof at predetermined intervals during construction of the article. The thermal energy may be provided by a heated body advanced adjacent to or in contact with the surface portions. Thermal energy may also be supplied by a radiation source. The thermal normalization may be performed after a predetermined number of successive layers are dispensed. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic coin detector and method for sensing the presence of a valid coin and for providing an indication of the valid coin's type. A coin is guided into position between a first set of inductor coils. The coin is then guided through a channel surrounded by a second inductor coil. A first oscillating signal is then fed to the first set of inductor coils and a second higher frequency oscillating signal is fed to a second inductor coil. An altered signal is then provided in response to the effect of the coin passing through the inductor coils. After the coin has passed adjacent one of the inductor coils, the inductor coils are fed a calibration signal to produce a calibrated signal. This calibrated signal is then used to scale the altered signal.

Abstract: A fastener, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tear in soft tissue of a patient, a particular exemplary embodiment comprising a meniscal tear in a knee. The fastener has a variable-pitch helical protrusion along a central portion that decreases from the distal end to the proximal end, which can serve to bring two sides of the tear into apposition as the fastener is advanced across the two sides of the tear in a screwing motion. The fastener material preferably is a biodegradable, biocompatible, nontoxic plastic that is specifically designed to be biodegradable generally within the time span of the healing process. A delivery device for introducing the fastener is also provided that includes an elongated needle rotationally coupled with the fastener, the turning of which turns the fastener, advancing the fastener into the tissue.

Abstract: A common mode choke has a generally rectangular ferrite body for surface mounting on a printed circuit board. First and second spaced apart slotted openings extend vertically between the top face and the bottom face of the ferrite body. At least one pair of electrical conductors extend along parallel paths from the bottom face through the first slotted opening to the top face, along a portion of the top face, and back down through the second slotted opening to the bottom face. One pair of opposing side faces preferably has lower portions extending outwardly past a plane of the bottom face to thereby serve as a support to mount the bottom face of the ferrite body in spaced relation from the circuit board. The electrical conductors may then extend outwardly from the bottom face of the ferrite body for electrical connection through corresponding openings of a circuit board or extend laterally outwardly for electrical connection to corresponding portions of the circuit board in a gull wing configuration.

Abstract: A sensor can detect the difference in potential between a probe and the fluid into which it is immersed, and a signal generated by the probe representing this difference in potential is used to activate an oscillator circuit. By varying the conditions at which current in the oscillator circuit begins to oscillate, various liquids can be detected and identified.

Abstract: A ground-coupled direct expansion heat pump apparatus includes an earth tap heat exchanger including a plurality of earth contacting tubes connected together in side-by-side relation. A first earth contacting tube defines a vapor refrigerant passageway and a second earth contacting tube provides additional heat transfer with the first earth contacting tube. Moreover, the earth tap heat exchanger includes a liquid refrigerant insulated passageway positioned within the second earth contacting tube. Each of the earth contacting tubes preferably comprises a thermal conductor, such as copper or a non-metallic material suitable for contact with refrigerant, to transfer heat with surrounding earth and with an adjacent earth contacting tube. The liquid refrigerant passageway and the vapor refrigerant passageway are preferably connected together in fluid communication adjacent lower ends thereof. Multiple vapor refrigerant passageways may be provided by additional earth contacting tubes.

Abstract: A method of pretreating citrus fruit for facilitating peeling utilizes water infusion without enzymes for loosening the peel from the underlying segments. The infusion may be accomplished with the use of a pressure or a vacuum apparatus. A further embodiments, which may be used in the home, consists of cutting a pair of opposed holes in the peel and forcing water into one of the holes until it emerges from the other hole. Both embodiments serve to separate the peel from the segments, making the fruit easier to peel.