Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and compacting articles, such as hospital scrub garments. Included is a cabinet assembly, having user and operator accessible doors; collection bags and support associate with the cabinet; a control assembly including a microprocessor and receiver board capable of recognizing an authorized user and permit him or her access to the apparatus, and optionally a video monitoring system; a drive assembly comprising a drive motor, arm linkage, drive chain and sprockets; a pair of sweeping arms operable by the drive assembly and which cooperate with a pair of packing arm assemblies. The sweeping arms urge garments deposited by authorized users downward and to the side in the cabinet and the packing arm cooperates to compact garments which have dropped into the collection bags. A method is disclosed for selectively identifying and permitting user access to the apparatus and for automatically processing received garments into a compacted condition in the collection bags.

Abstract: A cutting and crimping apparatus (14) for automatically cutting and finishing the ends of a spiral coil. The apparatus (14) comprises a jaw set (17) comprising a first fixed plate (20), a second fixed plate (50), a cut plate (70) and a push plate (130), each plate having a tooth extending therefrom capable of engaging the coil. The plates are substantially flat and disposed in sliding contact with each other. The cut plate (70) of the apparatus (14) is driven in a reciprocating, substantially linear motion by a linkage (100) mechanically coupled to a motor (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. That data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms that data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: An automatic fluid control having a first and second tube members and a slidable valve element capable of moving from a sealed closed position to an open position permitting fluid passage therethrough. In a preferred first embodiment, the elastomeric valve element is slidingly received with a passageway in the first tube. The valve element has a flange portion containing a plurality of slits that, when inverted and stretched, permit fluid to pass therethrough, but when closed, are in contact with the inner wall of the first tube and prevents fluid from passing therethrough. The valve element also can have a rigid plug attached within an opening in the top surface to present a preferably non-deformable contact point for a male luer tip, which, when pressed downward on the valve element, breaks a seal between the valve element and the first tube inner wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming insulated glass from a first and second sheet of glass, normally with a spacer seal disposed therebetween, comprising a frame assembly having a rigid frame assembly, a plurality of torsion bars pivotably mounted thereto, an aluminum lower platen resting on a plurality of pistons capable of raising and lowering the lower platen, an upper platen fixedly attached to the frame substantially parallel to the lower platen, heating elements for heating the lower platen and the space between the lower and upper platens, and a control panel for operating the apparatus. The lower platen has a series of spaced apertures through which pass a plurality of ball bearing assemblies, each assembly being attached to the frame assembly. The control panel has an emergency stop switch, timer circuitry and temperature indicator/limit circuitry. An adjustable stop assembly permits fine adjustment of the maximum distance between the lower and upper platens when the lower platen is raised.

Abstract: A method is provided for the real-time automatic determination of the approval status of a potential borrower of a loan. The method of acquiring information from the potential borrower includes the steps of (1) detecting the change in a data stream of a trunk link routed telephone call; (2) answering the call initiated by the potential borrower; (3) determining the DNIS; (4) choosing a proper lender script from a library; (5) starting the script, the script being a series of pre-recorded voice messages which are questions, statements and/or instructions; (6) receiving the DTMF tones transmitted by the telephone keypad button pressed by the caller in response to a question; (7) translating the tones into the numerical values; (8) storing the values in a data processor; (9) terminating the call; and, (10) resetting the system for the next call.

Abstract: A portable display signage for all weather and ambient lighting conditions has dual matrices of character generating elements. One matrix is provided by a multiplicity of passive display units arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each of the passive display elements comprises a flat disk having a reflective side and a non-reflective side. An electromagnet on each display element rotates the disk to display its reflective or non-reflective side to form an information display from the first matrix. The second matrix is formed from active display elements including light emitting diodes arranged in an array for cooperatively displaying graphics or characters. Each active display element is co-located with a passive display element to form a set and are positioned to be visible between gaps in the first matrix. A display is built from a plurality of modules containing subsets of the two matrices.

Abstract: An object support system for use in a confined space and supportable from a support structure such as a door includes a support frame having vertically disposed side rails and horizontally extending support arms extending from the side rails. Containers, for supporting objects, are adapted to be supported from the support frame by the support arms through pins adapted to compressively engage the side rail and to abut the support arms. Hanging file folders are also suitable for being supported from the support frame.

Abstract: A live axle tension device (15) that is suitable for adjusting the setting of a spring (16) on a live axle door (10). The tension device comprises a spring (16) that connects to a drum wheel (14) and to a spring connecting plate (22). The spring connecting plate (22) is attached to the outside of an axle housing tube (24) that houses the axle (12). The axle housing tube (24) also has two tension plates (26) connected to it which sandwich a tension bracket (20). The tension bracket (20) is fixedly attached to a supporting structure (21) and the axle (12) is free to rotate inside the bracket. The axle housing tube (24) and the plates attached to it can rotate relative to the tension bracket (20). With the spring (16) connected to the drum wheel (14) at one end and connected to the spring connecting plate (22) at the other end, the insertion of a tension pin (32) through the tension plates (26) and the tension bracket (20) fixes the position of the two ends of the spring (16) relative to each other.

Abstract: A sheath introducer for a catheterization or similar procedure comprises a main body having an exterior tapered sidewall, an interior lumen, a beveled top surface and an annular boss extending from the top surface; a rotating section having an exterior sidewall, an interior lumen, a beveled bottom surface having a recessed portion dimensioned so as to be received within the main body annular boss, and a top surface having an annular shoulder extending therefrom creating a recess; a cannula extending from the bottom end of the main body; and, a hemostatic valve having an access port and a fluid tight slit opening and seated within the upper portion and maintained by a cap, the valve being maintained within the rotating section recess and preferably slightly compressed when the rotating section and main body are assembled. When assembled, the rotating section can rotate up to approximately 180.degree., affording approximately a 45.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting and compacting articles, such as hospital scrub garments. Included is a cabinet assembly, having user and operator accessible doors; collection bags and support associate with the cabinet; a control assembly including a microprocessor and receiver board capable of recognizing an authorized user and permit him or her access to the apparatus, and optionally a video monitoring system; a drive assembly comprising a drive motor, arm linkage, drive chain and sprockets; a pair of sweeping arms operable by the drive assembly and which cooperate with a pair of packing arm assemblies. The sweeping arms urge garments deposited by authorized users downward and to the side in the cabinet and the packing arm cooperates to compact garments which have dropped into the collection bags. A method is disclosed for selectively identifying and permitting user access to the apparatus and for automatically processing received garments into a compacted condition in the collection bags.

Abstract: A container for storing a disc comprising a planar surface having a recessed receptacle therein, a lip projecting from the planar surface over the recess, and a pivotable lip attached to a button, the button being attached to an elongated flexible tab, which in turn is attached to the planar surface. When the button is depressed, the pivotable lip pivots away allowing the insertion or removal of a disc from the storage container.

Abstract: An automobile display plate protector and display assembly comprises a rear mounting box capable of being affixed directly onto an automobile license plate receiving mount and having a reflective interior surface, at least one light bulb mounted within the box by a standard light bulb fixture, a means for providing electrical power to bulb comprising a wire connected to a power source, and a shield assembly comprising an inner translucent shield and an outer translucent shield plate capable of receiving an automobile license plate intermediate to them, the inner and outer shield plates are outwardly bowed thereby forming a curved rather than a flat front surface, and the shield assembly being attachable to the box.

Abstract: A polymer such as poly(methyl methacrylate) is depolymerized, e.g., to give MMA, by heating the polymer in a fluidized bed at a temperature below the autoignition point of the monomer.

Abstract: A high chair catch tray attachment comprising a generally rectangular tray is selectively engageable with a child's high chair and supported thereby to provide a catch surface to catch and support objects, food and utensils dropped by the child occupying the high chair. The catch tray is adjustably postionable and supported by the high chair legs so that the catch tray surface may be maintained at a height that supports objects and food falling on and supported by the catch tray out of reach of the child occupying the high chair.

Abstract: A method for attaching manufactured strands of hair (13) to natural hair on the scalp (15) to form pre-manufactured braids (16). The method comprises braiding a base plait (11) out of human, animal, or synthetic hair, anchoring additional strands of hair (13) to the base plait (11), braiding or twisting the additional strands in groups of two or three strands to form pre-manufactured braids (16), braiding the natural hair on the scalp (15) of the individual into horizontal or vertical rows (14), and attaching the base plait (11) to the rows of braids (14) on the scalp (15) of the individual.