Abstract: A bonsai plant training method and apparatus includes a ladder-like support structure having fixed pegs and movable hooks for training a bonsai plant. The support is placed next to a plant that is to be trained and the plant is arranged on the pegs and hooks, establishing the zigzag or other desired shape. After the plant has grown into the desired shape, the support is removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering dialysis, including a separable tubing coupling (32). The tubing coupling (32) consists of a hollow cylindrical element (42, 44) insertable into the lumens of the distal and proximal regions of the fluid delivery tube (16), and has a scored circumference at which the coupling can be broken-off by application of an adequate bending force. The device allows rapid and reliable disconnecting of the patient from the dialysis apparatus, without the need for scissors or a knife to be employed.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim method and apparatus is described wherein a separate primary refrigeration pathway is utilized to drive refrigerant to be reclaimed through a secondary refrigeration pathway. The primary refrigeration pathway is comprised of a compressor, the hot side of a first heat exchange element, a condenser, a receiver and an evaporator, which is in part comprised of the cold side of a second heat exchange element. The secondary refrigeration pathway is comprised of the cold side of the first heat exchange element, a oil separation chamber, the hot side of the second heat exchange element, and a refrigerant storage cylinder.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: A substantially one-piece cast plunger can structure and a mated spring compressor system. The plunger can includes a removable plunger bearing on one end that is attached to the plunger can with both interlocking lugs and bolts and is designed for removal with a spring compressor that holds it in place.

Abstract: An adaptor for use with an indicator device, comprising a ring-shaped element having an inner circumference for attaching to the indicator device and an outer circumference for grasping by the user in order to manipulate the indicator device. The inner circumference has an upper radial lip and lower radial lip that maintain the indicator device therebetween, and the outer circumference may have grasping-enhancing elements such as a set of circumferential knobs.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for identifying, picking up, placing and packaging a plurality of different packaging a plurality of different types of items such as utensils. Utensils are deposited onto a conveyor belt system that separates clusters of utensils and transports them to an identification site where a vision system identifies them by type, location and orientation and to a pick-up site where they are selectively picked up and placed in a collection pan to form a desired utensil set. When the collection pan has a desired utensil set, it is emptied into a placement bucket on a movable bucket conveyor which transports the set to an automatic bagging machine. The set may be supplemented with napkins dispensed from an automated napkin dispenser or other with other items from other machines operatively connected to the system.

Abstract: This invention describes processes for producing mature human members of the NGF/BDNF family of neurotrophic proteins that are fully biologically active. In addition, the gene encoding human BDNF and processes for obtaining the same are disclosed.A previously-unreported member of the NGF/BDNF family of neurotrophic proteins, NGF-3, has been identified and a portion of the gene encoding for the NGF-3 has been described. Processes for identifying additional previously unreported members of the NGF/BDNF family are also described.

Abstract: A machine for covering a substrate (FIG. 14, 540) by means of both cathodic arc plasma deposition (CAPD) (FIG. 2) and magnetron sputtering (FIG. 1) without breaking vacuum in a single chamber (FIG. 14, 421). A computer system monitors (FIG. 3, 403, 405) and controls all coating process parameters to coat in any sequence multiple thin film layers using either the CAPD or magnetron sputtering process. A rotating substrate table (FIG. 14, 470) used in conjunction with internal and external targets coats both sides of the substrate simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention describes the process and apparatus for the simultaneous measurement of sulfur-containing compounds and organic compounds with or without sulfur in their structures. A detector cell is described that allows simultaneous measurement of compounds that can be ionized in a flame and thereby cause the electrical conductivity of the flame to increase, and the selective measurement of sulfur-containing compounds which simultaneously form sulfur monoxide. Sulfur monoxide, upon mixing with ozone, emits light from 240 to 450 nm. The intensity of the light can be measured and related to the concentration of sulfur in the sample, while changes in electrical conductivity of the flame measured by imposing a voltage across the cell quantifies the organic compounds irrespective of whether or not they contain sulfur.

Abstract: A method and device for interpreting and processing medical ultrasound and other video images. The mix of reflection coefficients in pixel windows is measured by determining the range and distribution of pixel gray scale values to establish "echoic texture" characteristics. These characteristics are compared with corresponding characteristics of known tissues. The degree of correlation allows a prediction of tissue characteristics of the examined window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering dialysis including a breakable tubing coupling is provided wherein the tubing coupling is a hollow cylindrical element insertable into the lumens of distal and proximal sections of a fluid delivery tubing system, the breakable tubing coupling having a scored circumference on which the coupling can be broken and separated by application of a bending force. The breakable tubing coupling is suitable for medical applications including peritoneal dialysis tubing administration set utilization for administering fluid from fluid containers into a patient's peritoneal cavity through a peritoneal catheter and out of the peritoneal cavity and into a drain container wherein the tubing administration set having a tubing supply leg and a tubing drain leg requires means for separating the peritoneal catheter following dialysis at a predetermined location along the tubing path.

Abstract: A skate brake system includes a rocker arm that pivots about the rear of a skate so as to bring a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when the rocker arm is activated. The rocker arm is mechanically activated so that the skater need not perform any special body movement so as to raise (or lower) the toe of the skate. Accordingly, the angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting in the detection of bubbles in a fluid stream such as an intravascular line. Tubing having ribbing or other texturing spaced along the longitudinal axis to enhance signal transmission characteristics and to increase the number of signals intercepted by a passing bubble, is placed between an ultrasonic or other transmitter and detector. In other embodiments, bubbles are concentrated into a detection zone by a centrifugator or are concentrated and recirculated in a detection zone by an eddy-producing protrusion in the fluid stream.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a stationary tower and a set of turbine blades rotatably attached to the top and bottom of the tower. A set of upper and lower braces connects the turbine blades to prevent any sag or skewing of the turbine blades as they rotate about the tower. The wind turbine may also include a stationary shell attached to the tower and inside the sweep of the turbine blades, to direct the airflow toward the turbine blades at the shell periphery, thereby improving overall performance and efficiency of the turbine.

Abstract: An instrument organizer having an elongated body member having a base portion and an upper portion. The upper portion includes spaced-apart, upstanding, resiliently flexible support members defining spaced-apart vertical slots along the body member. A plurality of instruments (e.g., medical instruments) can be supported in the slots in an upright manner such that they can be easily grasped and removed from the device when needed. The resilient support members push against the opposite sides of each instrument to hold it in an upright manner and yet enable the instrument to be removed easily.

Abstract: An end connector for a battery in which a set of interleafing battery plates is electrically and mechanically connected with a cast-on element to form a secure attachment with no discontinuities. The preferred embodiment utilizes a set of lead or lead alloy plates having an edge that is immersed into a mold of molten material that forms the end connector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the formation of biaxially oriented thermoplastic articles having flat surfaces or sharp contours, along with the articles themselves. Such apparatus and method relate to the heat-shrinking of biaxially oriented intermediates onto male forms to produce articles of exacting dimensions and flat surfaces or sharply defined contours. Such thermoplastic articles include autoclaveable, hot fillable, heat stable, transparent PET containers.

Abstract: A superior unitary one quarter mile long railroad rail and system and method for manufacturing the same. The method of manufacture is characterized by the use of a continuous rolling process and the in-line controlled cooling of the rail. The long railroad rail is rolled in a single direction with a plurality of in-line rolling stations.