Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing roots of bean sprouts are disclosed. Bean sprouts are supplied onto a severing table having a number of severing slits each of which has such a width that a root of a bean sprout falls into each severing slit. Water is sprinkled over the severing table so that the roots of the bean sprouts on the severing table flow into the severing slits. The roots of the bean sprouts fallen in the severing slits are severed by a cutter blade.

Abstract: A gaming device which allows individual play, head to head play and tournament play and involves the utilization of at least three chance means, including a plurality of reels, a video display configured as a matrix upon which scores can accumulate and icons located upon the grid itself provided for additional scoring.

Abstract: An ampule having flexible walls with a zone which is programmed to promulgate collapse. The ampule includes an opening that is adapted to dock with a fluid receiving device such as a syringe in air tight sealing engagement. The collapse of the ampule is engineered to occur before breaking the seal that exists between the opening of the ampule and the docking syringe luer tip to ensure sterile transfer of fluid without contamination, especially from ambient air.

Abstract: A system and method for controlled rate freezing and storage of thermolabile substances. The system includes a storage unit for receiving product stored within a bag and an overlying protective canister associated with a robotic arm and reading device which places the canister in the preserving environment. A control system, driven by a computer monitors the ingress, egress and storage location and particularized profiles of the articles being placed in storage.

Abstract: External manipulation of a prefilled vial to dispense its contents by deforming the vial is disclosed.

Abstract: A sterile method for preparing stable thrombin component from a single donor's plasma in which the thrombin component is harvested simultaneously from the clotting and adhesive proteins component from the same donor plasma in less than one hour. The combined components provide an improved biological hemostatic agent and tissue sealant by virtue of its freedom from the risk of contaminating viruses or bacteria from allogenic human or bovine blood sources. The thrombin provides polymerization of the clotting and adhesive proteins in less than five seconds, and is sufficiently stable to provide that fast clotting over a six hour period. Further, the clotting times can be predictably lengthened by diluting the thrombin with saline.

Abstract: An insert for thread repair having an interior thread and a specially formed exterior thread which both precludes upheaval between sides of the cracked material on opposite sides of the crack and draws the crack together, radially inward towards the center of the insert. The insert may include a driving head, either solid or having a central hollow and may include a frangible neck to dissociate the head from the insert.

Abstract: A method of cultivating bean sprouts includes the steps of germinating seeds of bean sprouts in a cultivating container so that bean sprouts grow and turning the cultivating container upside down together with the bean sprouts in the middle of cultivation so that the bean sprouts grow in an upside-down state. The cultivating container has a cylindrical or conical shape, or an elliptical section such that the container has an inner circumference with a gentle curvature.

Abstract: This patent specification discloses a method and compositions for applying an artificial finger nail tip to a natural finger nail. The method applies: (i) multiple brush-on coatings of a mixture of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate, poly methyl methacrylate, and hydroquinone; (ii) several spray coatings of an aromatic dryer of ethyl acetate and aromatic amines; and (iii) at least one dip of glaze powder of poly (ethyl or ethyl/methyl) methacrylate, benzoyl peroxide, and silica as an opaquing agent. The preferred method is very easy to perform and does not require any use of polymer solvents or grinding or filing steps.

Abstract: A toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave. The cylindrical cavity of the microwave includes a power supply, a magnetron, a power module operatively coupled between said power supply and said magnetron for driving said magnetron, a wave guide communicating with the magnetron and with a microwave containment chamber for delivering energy thereto, at least one microwave energy sensor for sensing microwave energy or magnetic and/or electric field strength within the chamber for controlling, inter alia, the loss on drying process of the sample being assayed and determining when the drying process is complete. A precision electronic balance is operatively disposed within the microwave chamber for allowing a specimen being assayed to be weighed. In addition, a ventilation chamber is provided for venting moisture from the microwave chamber.

Abstract: An electrode assembly adapted to be attached to the skin over selected facial muscle groups picks up signals to be analyzed by an anesthesia adequacy monitor that measures the level of awareness of a living animal, typically a human being. The electrode assembly also includes a stimulator that stimulates a facial nerve to determine the level of paralysis, or neuro muscular block, of the facial muscles. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly by printing a pattern of electrically conductive material through a silk-screen or an ink type process onto a flexible layer, and then coating the result with a non-conducting adhesive except at points corresponding to sensing points for the desired muscle groups. Finally, a method for using such sensing and stimulating devices is shown in determining and maintaining an appropriate level of patient awareness, muscle paralysis, and analgesia under anesthesia.

Abstract: A bag, method of manufacture and process are disclosed for the cryopreservation of thermolabile substances. The bag is characterized as having substantially uniform thickness throughout its length and height. The bag features a radiused peripheral edge wall for stress relief and to provide the constant cross-section. A peripheral flashing circumscribes the radiused edge wall and provides a suitable purchase area for sealing so that the thus formed bag is less susceptible to fracture particularly when exposed to cryogenic temperatures. The uniform thickness of the bag promulgates uniform heat transfer to and from the contents of the bag in relation to any surrounding medium at a different temperature. The bag affords more space for efficient storage and reduces heat invasion into the contents of the bag when a plurality of bags are placed, with their larger planar surfaces, in contact with each other.

Abstract: A gaming device and method that allows a primary display and secondary display to be correlated to the extent that symbols of the primary display have vectors which direct that symbol associated with the vector onto the secondary display. The secondary display remains constant through successive games except to the extent modified by the provision of a symbol vector which mandates a change in the symbol depiction on the secondary game. A bonus screen is provided based on the certain outcome of the primary game.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree which is somewhat similar to the ‘Peerless’ almond tree, but distinguished therefrom by producing fruit that matures three to five days later for harvesting, hulling and shipping than the fruit produced by the ‘Peerless’ almond tree, and which further produces a high quality fruit of medium size and possessing a soft shell; an important different characteristic from the ‘Peerless’ variety. Specifically, the ‘Peerless’ shell requires that a metal cracker be used to remove the kernel from the shell, whereas the ‘Durango’ kernel can be removed with the use of one's fingers. This new invention has a rich flavor and is comparatively free of doubles (kernels in the shell).