Abstract: Methods, compositions and a kit for deactivating spills or leaks of HIV infected blood or anticancer drugs by applying to the leak or spill an aqueous solution containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. In order to thicken the aqueous solution and thus keep it from spreading beyond its intended area of application, the solution of calcium hypochlorite contains methylcellulose. In addition to chemically deactivating the active anticancer drug, the solution of the invention also effectively decolorizes it, thus preventing permanent stains on any surface or fabric with which the anticancer drug comes into contact.

Abstract: An electronic book includes a cover, an array of membrane switches disposed in a membrane switch assembly attached to the cover, and a plurality of pages attached to the cover, each of the pages having on a first surface thereof an indicia located directly over one of the switches, respectively. An electronic module is attached to the cover and is electrically connected to the array of switches. The electronic module stores a plurality of addressable sound sequences. The membrane switch assembly includes a first layer of flexible sheet material, and a layer of switch electrode conductors on the first layer of flexible sheet material defining a plurality of pairs of switch electrode conductors, each pair including a first electrode conductor and a second electrode conductor, and a plurality of conductors for connecting the electrode conductors to the electronic module.

Abstract: A precision voltage level shift circuit includes an emitter follower input circuit including a lateral PNP transistor having a base receiving an input voltage, and an emitter coupled to both an output terminal and a first current source. JFET is coupled between a collector of the input transistor and a first supply voltage conductor. A second PNP transistor has a base coupled to the collector of the first transistor and an emitter coupled to a second current source. A differential amplifier has a first input coupled to the output terminal, a second input coupled to the emitter of the second transistor, and an output coupled to the load element. The differential amplifier operates to maintain the voltage drop across the JFET at a level such that the emitter of the second PNP transistor is equal to the voltage of the emitter of the lateral PNP transistor to thereby maintain the collector-emitter voltage thereof at a constant value.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the environment is described which is capable of providing projected results and effects based upon varying the inputted data as a function of the consequences of presently made or proposed decisions by decisionmakers. Sources of data collected from a plurality of sources are converted into an electronic database which may be automatically and/or periodically updated. A series of software modules utilize the data for a series of to-be-defined specific applications. To portray the environment at a specified future date, the methodology utilizes the full capabilities and data resident in the database. The output provided by modeling and simulation modules may be in the form of two- or three-dimensional visual presentations in an especially equipped multiple, computer-driven, projector screen room or may be in the form of a printed media for binding and distribution with screen images combined with text.

Abstract: A multiple-lumen catheter includes a first generally-cylindrical flexible lumen extending between a first distal end and a second proximal end; the first lumen is sufficiently rigid to maintain its generally-cylindrical shape when negative pressure is applied thereto for aspirating fluid from the blood vessel. A second flexible lumen also extends between a first distal end and a second proximal end alongside the first lumen. The first distal end of the second lumen is sufficiently pliable to collapse and flatten in the absence of any positive fluid pressure applied to the second lumen; upon the application of a positive fluid pressure to the second lumen, the collapsible first, distal end of the second lumen expands and assumes a generally-cylindrical shape for introducing fluid into the blood vessel.

Abstract: The distal end of a handle employed to rotate a line tightening mandrel has a line engaging stop thereon and a removable pin for holding the line on the stop to prevent the stop from working free of the line.

Abstract: A masonry fence system incorporates piers (1) placed at predetermined intervals along a desired fence line. Rigid foundation members (5) extend at grade level (8) between the piers (1) and are supported thereby while supporting courses of masonry block; vertically extending tensioning rods (15) are attached to the foundation members. The post tensioning rods (15) extend upwardly through voids in successive courses of masonry block and terminate in the next to top course of block. A plate (20) and nut (22) are utilized to permit the post tensioning of the rods to transmit compressive forces to the courses of masonry block below. The foundation members (5) may be formed in situ by using bond beam techniques, or may be preformed in predetermined lengths to be transported to the fence site and placed at grade level in contact with the piers (1) at the start of construction.

Abstract: The area of a three-dimensional lesion on a cervix is determined from a two-dimensional image thereof produced by a digital colposcope. A stored reference cervix reflectance map including slant angles and corresponding gray scale intensity levels represents a reference cervix, and is obtained using a shape-assuming target including thereon an array of circular spots of a first reflectivity and a stiff target having thereon a first circular spot of the first reflectivity and a second circular spot of a second reflectivity. An identical stiff target is placed on the cervix, and a two-dimensional image of the lesion and the stiff target is obtained from the digital colposcope. Resulting intensities of the two-dimensional image are calibrated to the gray scale of a standard target reflectance map, and the calibrated intensities of the two-dimensional image are correlated to the intensities of the reference cervix reflectance map to determine slant angles of predetermined points of the cervix.

Abstract: A quick-disconnect system for selectively connecting a slurry tank to a fluid supply line includes a first valve on the slurry tank and a second valve in the supply line fitting. Each of such valves includes a piston having a tapered neck extending from such valves. Each such piston slides within a cylinder having fluid passages extending through the walls of such cylinder, and each cylinder is received within a valve body. A biasing spring ordinarily advances such pistons to cause enlarged side wall portions of such pistons to seal the fluid passages that extend through the cylinders. Each piston has a tapered neck portion that extends outwardly from the valve, and upon connection of quick-disconnect system, the tapered neck portions of the pistons engage each other to simultaneously overcome the biasing springs. As each piston retracts, the enlarged side wall portions of the pistons slide past the fluid passages that extend through the cylinders, and are removed from the abrasive fluid flow path.

Abstract: A source of liquid soap for washbasins and the like is provided by a flexible, collapsible bag filled with liquid soap. A hollow needle is penetrably inserted through the material of the bag, which penetration develops a seal about the needle. The needle is connected through a conduit to a dispenser for the soap. A source of vacuum in communication with the conduit, the force of gravity or a force externally imposed upon the bag to compress it, actuates a flow of soap from the bag through the needle for discharge from the dispenser. As liquid soap is evacuated from the bag, the bag collapses. Upon depletion of the soap, the needle is withdrawn and inserted into a replacement bag of soap.

Abstract: A balance mechanism incorporates the housing of an aerosol delivery device which accepts and supports a cylindrical medicament cartridge. An unstable balance mechanism produces a definitive toggling action between mechanical states at the specified depletion level at which reliable dosage metering is no longer assured. In one embodiment, a fulcrum structure is formed in one side of an inhaler housing that causes the housing and the cartridge to pivot or rotate about an axis to indicate the depletion of the useful mass of the contents of the cartridge. In this embodiment, the rotation of the housing and cylindrical container is about the pivot axis located at the apex of the fulcrum formed in the housing when the housing is supported on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A compensated bias current circuit for use in an operational amplifier including a differential input stage, a gain stage, and an output driver stage. The compensated bias current circuit includes a PNP current mirror control transistor having an emitter coupled to a first supply voltage conductor, a collector coupled by a first conductor to a first terminal of a current source circuit, and a base connected to a second conductor, with the second conductor connected to first and second PNP current mirror output transistors in the gain stage and a third PNP current mirror output transistor in the output driver stage.

Abstract: A drive system for a surface cleaning appliance having a pair of rotatable head structures employs a worm gear positioned between the head structure in engagement with two spur gears on, respectively, the two head structures.

Abstract: A vertically movable container for dispensing a liquid from an outlet in response to gravity is raised as a function of the depletion of the liquid to maintain the hydrostatic pressure at the outlet essentially constant and to provide a constant rate of outflow. A selectively operated on/off valve controls the flow from the container.

Abstract: An apertured cover defines pin penetrable locations for temporarily posting notices, indicia, and the like. A pin receiving and gripping the substrate adjacent the back surface of the cover retains any pins penetrably engaging the apertures in the cover. A hard backing sheet disposed adjacent the rear face of the substrate protects the substrate. Folded panels of the cover retain the substrate and the backing sheet in fixed relationship with one another to form a unitary structure and protect the edges of the substrate.

Abstract: A personal computer having a timing decoder and a graphics overlay card is programmed to interpret a script written in accordance with a predetermined grammar or format. A pair of tape decks, one for playback and one for record, are connected to the graphics overlay card. The script is stored in the computer and read or interpreted by the computer, which generates control signals to operate the graphics overlay card. The tape decks are run without pausing and the editing operation takes only as long as a normal copy. There is no operator intervention.

Abstract: The debris cap includes a handle activated retainer mechanism for retaining the cap in a pipe in which it is installed. The retainer mechanism includes an over-center connecting rod system for keeping the retaining mechanism in its retaining position. A barrel lock is employed to prevent unauthorized removal of the cap. A resilient flange on the body of the cap frictionally engages the wall of the pipe to support the cap as the retainer mechanism is manipulated.

Abstract: A pre-pay service unit uses pseudo-numbers to identify subscribers and substitutes actual numbers to complete a call after verification of authenticity and verification of a positive balance in a subscriber's account. The service unit and the cellular telephone exchange data in the process of authentication. For outgoing calls, a cellular telephone first transmits an "800" number and an ANI. The "800" number is the telephone number of the pre-pay service unit, which then requests number actually dialed. The cellular telephone responds with dialed digits, a security code, and status data. If the information is correct, the dialed digits are then passed to a local exchange carrier to complete the call. For incoming calls, a pseudo-number directs the call to the pre-pay service unit, which converts the pseudo-number to the actual telephone number of a subscriber's cellular telephone.

Abstract: A system for automatic loading of wafer boats onto a cantilever paddle for insertion of the wafer boats into a furnace tube includes an end effector carriage moving on a track and supporting an end effector having spaced, parallel pads to engage opposed outer side portions of a wafer boat. The end effector receives a wafer boat from a robotic arm of an elevator. The robotic arm moves transversely relative to the track to position the wafer boat over the track on which the paddle carriage moves. The end effector carriage moves the end effector pads under the wafer boat, lifts it from a pair of elevator tines, moves the wafer boat over a desired part of the paddle, and lowers the wafer boat onto the paddle. The end effector carriage then returns the end effector to an initial location.