Abstract: A color wheel includes a rotatable disc-shaped carrier to which three or more planar color filter segments are secured in radial fashion about the periphery thereof. The portions of the color filter segments extending beyond the peripheral portion of the carrier form a substantially continuous translucent color ring for being inserted into, and rotated through, a light path. Each of the color filter segments is formed of a continuous sheet of material without any apertures formed therein. The disc-shaped carrier has one or more recesses, or bonding zones, formed therein to receive innermost bonding portions of the color filter segments; these recesses provide stops for aiding in the proper radial and axial positioning of the color filter segments. The bonding portions of the color filter segments are secured to the bonding zone of the disc-shaped carrier by an adhesive. A further recess can be formed in the disc-shaped carrier adjacent each bonding zone to receive the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning system includes a pump, a first tube coupling a suction port of the pump in fluid communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the pool, and a skimming device including an entrainment nozzle. The entrainment nozzle is coupled by a second tube to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool return water pumped from an outlet port of the pump. Most of the pool return water is pumped into a rotary distribution valve, various outlets of which are connected to various pool cleaning heads embedded in an inner surface of the pool. A vacuum canister having a removable cover to allow access to a removable debris trap disposed in the vacuum canister between an inlet and an outlet thereof is coupled between a suction inlet of the pump and the main drain or mobile cleaning device.

Abstract: A stable solution cream, salve, or spray composition containing activated stabilized chlorine dioxide and phosphates, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium monofluorophosphate, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of abnormal conditions of the epithelium of bodily orifices. Examples of such abnormal conditions of the epithelium of the rectal, vaginal, urethral, oral, nasal, ocular, and auditory canal orifices include bacterial infections, such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonoas gingivalis, and fungal infections, such as Candida, and leukoplakia. The preferred concentration ranges are between about 0.005%-2.0% chlorine dioxide, and between about 0.02%-3.0% phosphate. The phosphate compound retards escape of chlorine dioxide in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.

Abstract: A system for introducing a dose from a metered dose inhaler canister into the inspiratory stream (1B) of a ventilator system including an inspiratory tube (32), a Y connector (3), and an endotracheal tube (7) intubated in a patient, including a valved T connector (30) having a valved port (30A) and first (30B) and second (30C) ports coupled to conduct the inspiratory stream (1B) through the valved T connector, an MDI canister (14), and a nozzle adapter structure (31) having a first port (31A) for insertion into the valved port (31A) to open a valve thereof and a nozzle (31B) receiving a stem (14A) of the MDI canister (14) and ejecting a plume (17) of MDI medication particles upon activation of the MDI canister. A dry gas inlet (31D) receives dry gas which flows through the nozzle adapter structure (31) into the valved port (30A) and into the inspiratory stream (1B), and carries the plume from the nozzle adapter structure (31) through the valved port (30A) into the inspiratory stream (1B).

Abstract: A shelter for covering and protecting dairy cows in hot climates includes a feeding area as well as a loafing area for cows to chew their cud after feeding. The feeding area and loafing area are covered by a roof structure for shading the cows from the sun. Evaporative coolers extend through the roof structure to circulate cool air within such structure. The structure has one or more retractable walls to help retain cool air within the structure while permitting cows to enter or exit. The roof structure channels any rainwater into the interior of the structure to assist in flushing waste from the feeding area.

Abstract: A catheter for use in an electrophysiological procedure to ablate a site includes a metallic tip having a first work function and energized by a source of RF energy. The RF energy return path is through a relatively large plate of a metallic material having a second work function and disposed at a location removed from the ablation site. The difference in work functions of the tip and the plate, operating in the presence of an electrolyte represented by the intermediate tissue, produces an exchange of electrical charges through chemical reaction to create a galvanic cell. By loading the galvanic cell with a shunt resistor, it becomes a current source providing a current linear with and highly dependent on the tissue temperature at the ablation site. This accurate representation of the tissue temperature at the ablation site is used to regulate the RF energy applied to maintain the tissue at the ablation site at a predetermined temperature during the ablation procedure.

Abstract: A leash training device includes a leash cord (3) and a stimulus collar (4,6) coupled to an end of the leash cord. The stimulus collar includes a strap (4) adapted to fit around the neck of an animal to be trained or controlled, and an electrical stimulus unit (6) supported by the strap. The electrical stimulus unit (6) includes a stimulus circuit (16). A transformer (17) coupled between the stimulus circuit (16) and a pair of electrodes (5) for contacting skin of the animal. A measurement device (101) is coupled to the leash cord to measure tension in the leash cord and produce a control signal (106) when the tension exceeds a predetermined threshold. The stimulus circuit (16) produces a drive signal in response to the control signal and applies the drive signal to a primary winding of the transformer (17).

Abstract: A CMOS output circuit including a differential error amplifier (3) is operated to provide a stable quiescent bias current in an output MOSFET by causing a first current equal to a threshold voltage of a P-channel reference MOSFET (M1) divided by the resistance of a reference resistor (R1) to flow through an N-channel current mirror control MOSFET (M4). A first N-channel current mirror output MOSFET (M6) having a gate coupled to the gate of the N-channel current mirror control MOSFET (M4) and a drain coupled to a drain of the P-channel reference MOSFET (M1) causes a second current proportional to the first current to flow through the P-channel reference MOSFET (M1). The first current is controlled in response to feedback from the P-channel reference MOSFET (M1). A bias current in an error amplifier (3) is controlled in response to the N-channel current mirror control MOSFET (M4).

Abstract: A probe needle alignment device supports a probe card assembly with probe needles extending upward. A microscope includes a first eyepiece aligned with the probe needles in its field of view. A first video camera is positioned in optical alignment with the first eyepiece to view probe needles through the first eyepiece. An overdriver includes a transparent planar plate movably disposed between the microscope and the probe needles to displace contact tips of the probe needles through an overdrive distance. A mask plate has a plurality of spots located at positions corresponding precisely to positions of contact pads of an integrated circuit to be probe tested. A second video camera includes the spots within its field of view.

Abstract: A dual port blowing device for drying a vehicle includes a centrifugal fan powered by a blower motor. The centrifugal fan is rotated upon the motor shaft and surrounded by a housing having a first outlet nozzle for discharging air toward the rear end of the vehicle, and including a second outlet nozzle for discharging air toward the front end of the vehicle. A pivoting damper moves between a first position for sending discharged air through the first outlet nozzle, and a second position for sending discharged air through the second outlet nozzle. An actuator selectively pivots the damper between its first and second positions. The actuator includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston for pivoting the damper. Control circuitry determines when the rear of the vehicle is proximate to the dual port blowing device, and operates the hydraulic cylinder to move the damper from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the operation of a washroom appliance such as a water faucet, soap dispenser, shower, urinal, etc., comprising means for actuating said appliance, means for deactuating said appliance, a remote control arranged for emitting a signal, a receiver arranged for receiving said signal and for generating a maintenance signal in response to receipt of the signal from the remote control, and means responsive to the maintenance signal for generating an overruling signal for disabling said actuation means. The device comprises in a first aspect of the invention means for intermittently actuating and deactuating said receiver to reduce the power consumption thereof. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for automatically controlling flow of water in a wash fountain, including a maintenance function which enable to deactivate the wash fountain except for at least one valve to permit supply of water for cleaning the wash fountain.

Abstract: An active solar reflector, preferably mounted within a transparent dome, tracks the sun from sunrise to sunset to reflect impinging solar radiation into a room or other space to be lighted. The reflector includes a plurality of angled mirrors mounted one behind the other and of progressively increasing heights to intercept and reflect as large a flat plate area of solar radiation as possible. The mirrors are mounted upon a support rotatable about an axis to track the sun and to have the mirrors continuously reflect the impinging solar radiation.

Abstract: A compression type coaxial cable F-connector includes a conventional coupling nut and tubular post. A cylindrical body member is secured to the tubular post and includes a sleeve for receiving the jacket of the coaxial cable. A circular relief in the sleeve allows the end of such sleeve to be deformed inwardly toward the cable jacket. A compression ring is mounted over the outer wall of the sleeve of the cylindrical body member and includes a tapered inner bore which forces the end of the sleeve inwardly against the cable jacket as the compression ring is advanced axially over the cylindrical body member. As the end of the sleeve is deformed inwardly, it extends just behind a circular barb formed about the tubular post to pinch the cable jacket therebetween. The compression ring can be manufactured as a separate component, or the compression ring can initially be integral with the sleeve of the cylindrical body member and attached thereto by a frangible connection.

Abstract: A tub support kit which can be dismantled and completely removed from the cargo tub of a wheeled vehicle such as a utility trailer or a pickup truck. The kit includes a frame structure which is adapted to rest upright at the rear end of the tub near a drop down tailgate. U-shaped support members extend out over the side walls of the tub and have their rear legs separably connected to the frame structure. Two berth bases overlie the support members and are releasably connected to the U-shaped support members and the frame structure to hold the assemblage together.

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: A resilient connector uses a spring made from a cylindrical tube. The wall of the tube is cut in a helix along the central portion of the tube to form the spring. One or more plungers within the spring have a tip extending past a first end of the spring and a second end attached to the spring. Each plunger is a pin or a pair of coaxial conductors separated by a dielectric sheath. One of the coaxial conductors is a conductive layer on the sheath. A double ended connector uses a spring made as described above with a pair of plungers attached one each to each end of the spring.

Abstract: A coaxial cable F-connector (20) includes a tubular post (32) for insertion around the dielectric (26) of the coaxial cable (22), a cylindrical body member (46) secured to the tubular post for receiving the jacket (30) of the coaxial cable, and a coupling nut (38). The tubular post includes an enlarged shoulder (80) that extends inside the nut; the nut includes an inwardly directed collar (82) that extends around the tubular post and around one end of the cylindrical body member. An O-ring (35) is disposed around one end of the cylindrical body member between the shoulder of the tubular post and the collar of the coupling nut. Limited axial movement of the coupling nut is permitted relative to the tubular post and cylindrical body member for allowing the coupling nut to spin free of the O-ring until tightening of the coupling nut over the threaded port is almost complete. Upon final tightening of the coupling nut, the O-ring forms a seal between the nut, the tubular post, and the cylindrical body member.

Abstract: A security grate is disposed intermediate a conventional multi-apertured vent on the front of a garage door panel to prevent intrusion through the juxtaposed aperture in the panel. Straps or washers serving as a backing plate may be located on the interior of the panel to further hinder unwanted removal of the vent and the security grate from the panel to obtain access to the aperture in the panel. Alternatively, the security grate may be disposed adjacent the interior of the panel and then any backing plate variants may be omitted. A cover of insulating material is attachable adjacent the rear of the panel to prevent airflow through the panel aperture and to provide insulation. A transparent or translucent cover may be substituted for the insulating cover to provide illumination when the garage door is closed. A closeable opening may be provided in the cover to permit airflow therethrough on a selected basis.

Abstract: A waveform shaping circuit for use in a function circuit is provided which minimizes interference with a feedback circuit of the function circuit and a load. The waveform shaping circuit disposed in the function circuit includes a voltage transfer unit and a voltage-to-current converter unit. The voltage transfer unit transfers a voltage at an output terminal of an operational amplifier to the converter unit in an electrically isolated condition. The converter unit has a predetermined threshold for the magnitude of the voltage at the output terminal. The converter unit supplies an inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier with a current having a magnitude depending on a relationship in magnitude between the voltage at the output terminal and the predetermined threshold. In one embodiment of the invention the waveform shaping circuit is used to prevent the onset of instability in a high order delta sigma modulator.