Abstract: A system for facilitating the donning of gloves having elastic cuffs. The system is particularly adapted for allowing healthcare personnel to don elastic gloves without requiring the assistance of another individual and without contacting the outer surface of the gloves. A curved rim member is comprised of flared portions along the periphery of the rim as well as teeth which are formed on the upper edges of a slot, the flared portions and teeth serving to help the rim frictionally to hold the elastic cuff of a glove in a stretched open configuration so that the user's hand may be inserted therein. A slot in combination with the design of the curved rim member and the flared portion and teeth of the rim member allows the user, by proper movement of the wrist and forearm, to release the glove from the curved rim member whereupon the glove assumes a proper fit on the user's hand.

Abstract: A novel process for separating high viscosity bitumen from tar sand. The process includes grinding the tar sand to obtain phase disengagement of the bitumen phase from the sand phase and thereafter using flotation techniques to obtain phase separation of the bitumen phase from the sand phase. Phase disengagement is assisted by using a suitable wetting agent such as sodium carbonate or sodium silicate during the grinding step, while the phase separation step is assisted by the inclusion of a promoter oil for the flotation step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing pollutant emissions, and in particular, for reducing NO.sub.x and particulate emissions, from a spreader-stoker-fired furnace and from a fluidized bed combustor. A combustible material of various sized particles is obtained and those smaller particles which would normally combust during the suspension phase of the spreader-stoker-fired furnace or fluidized bed combustor are separated from the larger particles. The larger particles of combustible material are then introduced into the spreader-stoker-fired furnace or fluidized bed combustor and combusted to produce heat.

Abstract: An underwater color television camera system for use in high pressure or dense shielding applications. The system includes a spread tube color television camera encased in a three-segment housing designed to provide quick access to and interchangeability of camera parts, while also providing protection to the camera from water pressure at depths of over 2500 feet below water surface. A television viewfinder is affixed to the camera housing for use during manual operation by divers. A control center which includes computer devices is remotely connected by coaxial or triaxial cable to the camera so as to permit surface control and monitoring of numerous camera operations. Camera operations and applications are capable of enhancement by use of computer generated graphics, computer navigation assistance, and computer aided visual communication with divers.

Abstract: A process for recovering bitumen from tar sands wherein the tar sands are pretreated with a diluent, such as kerosene in the preferred embodiment, to lower the viscosity of the bitumen such that it is in the range of about 5 to about 20 poise at the digestion temperature. The tar sands are then digested at a temperature in the range of about 45.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C. and at a pH of about 7.8 to about 8.6. The tar sands are then transferred to a flotation cell where the bitumen-rich concentrate is separated from the sand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain multiprotein compounds and methods for using such compounds in the treatment of psoriasis, arthritis, erythropoietic protoporphyria, and scar tissue and wounds. These multiprotein compounds include beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, and bacitracin. The beta-lactoglobulin proteins are linked to alpha-lactalbumin proteins by a plurality of organic linkages formed by reacting various alcohols, e.g., noncyclic alcohols, steroid alcohols, triterpenoid alcohols, and thioglycerol therewith. The alpha-lactalbumin proteins are linked to the bacitracin proteins by a plurality of organic linkages formed by reacting with fatty acids therewith. A selenium ion may be bonded to each bacitracin protein molecule of the multiprotein compounds. Additionally, pairs of bacitracin molecules may be linked by zinc ions or other cations, to form a salt with the bacitracin.

Abstract: A vibrating wire placed in the humidity duct of a standard radiosonde is used to measure vertical profiles of the concentration of supercooled liquid water in clouds. An electronic circuit is provided for monitoring the natural frequency of vibration which varies according to the mass of ice accumulated on the wire by contact freezing. The time rate of change of ice accumulation is related to the supercooled liquid water concentration. By monitoring the natural frequency, the supercooled liquid water concentration can be found.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a band of hardened metal around a portion of a drill collar in accordance with conventional MIG or TIG welding processes. The improved hardbanding system comprises an AC power source coupled to a water cooled, MIG or TIG welding torch assembly. A hydraulic pump is provided, coupled to the AC power source, for independently driving: (1) a mandril assembly for rotating the drill collar workpiece adjacent the torch assembly, (2) an elevation assembly for adjusting the height of the torch assembly and the mandril assembly; and (3) a pair of hydraulic jacks for lifting the drill collars off of standard pipe racks. The entire system is designed for mounting on the bed of a conventional two ton truck such that the system is easily transportable for on-site hardbanding.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of alcohol, preferably ethanol, from cellulosic materials. The cellulosic materials are delignified such that the hemicellulose and the cellulose can be subsequently acid hydrolyzed into simple sugars. These sugars are fermented in the presence of yeast to yield ethanol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol vapor is removed from the fermentation solution under a reduced pressure and subsequently distilled. Carbon dioxide gas may be sparged throughout the fermenting solution in order to aid in the removal of the alcohol from the fermenting solution. The gaseous carbon dioxide is captured and utilized in the manufacture of additional quantities of ethanol or other basic chemicals.

Abstract: A blood and perfusate filter apparatus having a pair of molded housing members that are substantially identical in their configuration. The upper housing member having a pyramidal-shaped reservoir formed in the upper surface thereof which acts as a secondary distribution reservoir, and the lower housing member having a pyramidal-shaped reservoir formed in the lower surface thereof which acts as a secondary collection reservoir. Interchangeable tubing couplings are press-fit bonded to inlet/outlet ports located in the secondary reservoirs. A filter element, mounted in a resinous band, is bonded between the housing members so as to filter blood or perfusate as it passes through the filter. The filter element also forms primary distribution and collection reservoirs with respect to the upper and lower housing members. Different types of filter configurations, such as flat or pleated, can be mounted in a resinous band and used as the filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of various components in a fluid sample. The apparatus comprises a chemically sensitive field effect transistor (CHEMFET) having a semiconductor substrate and a pair of diffusion regions formed at the surface of the substrate. An electrical insulating layer is positioned adjacent the substrate and a fluid pervious bridge member is mounted to the insulating layer so as to form a gap between the bridge member and insulating layer. The apparatus also includes means for imposing an electrical charge on the bridge member, means for imposing an electrical potential between the diffusion regions, and means for detecting current flow between the diffusion regions. The fluid sample to be analyzed is introduced through the fluid pervious bridge member and into the gap where various components of the fluid sample are adsorbed by the bridge member, and in another embodiment, also by an adsorptive layer which is applied within the gap.

Abstract: A novel process for separating high viscosity bitumen from tar sand. The process includes grinding the tar sand to obtain phase disengagement of the bitumen phase from the sand phase and thereafter using flotation techniques to obtain phase separation of the bitumen phase from the sand phase. Phase disengagement is assisted by using a suitable wetting agent during the crushing step while the phase separation step is assisted by the inclusion of a promoter oil for the flotation step.

Abstract: A combination physical separation process and thermal fluidized bed process for recovering products from tar sands. The process includes initially separating a portion of the sand from the tar sand through a physical separation process, yielding a bitumen-rich concentrate. The bitumen-rich concentrate is introduced into a heated fluidized bed and products are recovered and distilled into their respective fractions. A coked sand is removed from the fluidized bed and placed into a combustor where the carbonaceous residue on the sand is burned to produce a hot burnt sand, a portion of which may be recycled to provide heat to the bitumen-rich concentrate in the fluidized bed. The coked sand and a certain fraction of the distilled products may be recycled to the physical separation process to improve the separation efficiency thereof.

Abstract: A modular pyrolysis inlet apparatus and method for pyrolyzing compounds preparatory to an analysis thereof by a mass spectrometer. The pyrolysis inlet includes a telescopic insertion probe having a ferromagnetic wire bearing the sample to be analyzed, and a reaction chamber mounted to the insertion probe so as to encompass the wire and sample. The insertion probe/reaction chamber assembly is inserted into the pyrolysis inlet apparatus and the voids surrounding the assembly are evacuated. The sample is cooled at a first position within the reaction chamber while a heating mantle preheats the reaction chamber at a second position therein. The telescopic insertion probe/reaction chamber assembly is then inserted further into the pyrolysis inlet, moving the sample to the second heated position within the reaction chamber. At the second position, a high frequency coil is activated to energize and heat the wire, and rapidly pyrolyze the sample thereon.

Abstract: A novel implantable, peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open top, fluid-receiving reservoir mounted to one end of a hollow stem and a penetrable membrane covering the open top of the receiving reservoir. The hollow stem is configurated to extend into the peritoneal cavity and includes a retaining flange system for retaining the hollow stem in fluid communication with the peritoneal cavity. The penetrable membrane serves as an injection site for inserting a hollow needle into the receiving reservoir. The penetrable membrane also includes a dome configuration that may be depressed to expel injection fluids from the reservoir into the peritoneal cavity. A substantial portion of the injection catheter is covered with a velour coating to accomodate tissue ingrowth for further securement of the catheter in the tissue of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A novel implantable, peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and method, the apparatus including an enlarged target surface, fluid-receiving reservoir mounted to one end of a hollow stem. The hollow stem is configured to extend into the peritoneal cavity and includes a retaining ring system for retaining the hollow stem in relationship to the peritoneal cavity. A penetrable membrane covers the enlarged target surface of the receiving reservoir and serves as an injection site for inserting a hollow needle into the receiving reservoir. A substantial portion of the injection catheter is covered with a velour coating to accommodate tissue ingrowth and further securement of the catheter in the tissue of the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A gas-sparged hydrocyclone apparatus and method for achieving separation by flotation in a centrifugal field. The hydrocyclone apparatus is suitably modified so that a gas phase may be dispersed into the liquid vortex created in the hydrocyclone.

Abstract: A novel overhead door section system and method, the section including a section facing fabricated from a high tensile steel and secured to a novel end stile and center stile. The end stile includes an angle support secured therein. The angle support clamps an end of the section facing against a front face of the end stile and is secured to ribs in the section facing and to a side wall of the end stile. A novel back facing and method provide additional strength to the panel and may also enclose an insulative layer inside the panel.