Abstract: A heated transportation container is described. The container consists of at least a body and a lid, the body being generally cuboid and having one or more side walls and a base which together define an internal chamber over which the lid can be placed to close the container. Inside the chamber is disposed a pre-frozen or refrigerated cooling pack to keep the temperature low and in accordance with the invention, a laminar heating, panel is affixed, to at least a portion of the inner surface of one of the side walls and/or to base, said laminar panel comprising an electrically resistive component and electrical connections through which power can be delivered to said laminar panel. Battery powered control circuitry is also provided which communicates with a temperature measuring device disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: An edge card electrical connector is used for receiving the edge of a printed circuit board having contact pads on one or both sides adjacent to the so described edge. This two-piece right angle edge card connector includes an elongated dielectric housing having a receiving face with an elongated slot running the length of the connector creating a card insertion cavity. A plurality of PCI connector pins (peripheral component interconnect), on one or both sides of the card insertion cavity make contact with the pads located on the printed circuit board when it is inserted into the cavity. The PCI connector pins may also be stepped within the card insertion cavity with the primary engagement connectors forward of the secondary engagement connectors allowing for a staggered positioning and increased separation.

Abstract: A disposable barrier for a laboratory splash pan made of a non-porous yet durable material, form fitted to fit snugly within the interior surface of a laboratory splash pan, so as to avoid the need to autoclave or disinfect such pans after each use. A reservoir is formed within the base of the insert to provide a convenient means to store cleaning or polishing agents, such as pumice, within the insert. Flaps extend from the base of the insert to protect the elevated perimeter of the splash pan, and assist in securing the insert within the splash pan. Side and back walls project upward from the insert to protect and shield corresponding side and back walls of the splash pan. A top panel may be utilized to protect the interior surface of an overhanging canopy present in some splash pans.

Abstract: A fixture for connecting two or more elongate bars in end to end relationship. The bars are provided with ribs on an external surface thereof. The fixture comprises a set of inner segments with formations to engage with the ribs on the bars. A set of intermediate segments and/or an outer sleeve is then positionable around the inner segments to maintain the same in position. The outer sleeve passes over the intermediate segments and mechanically engages the segments and members in the end to end relationship.

Abstract: A coupling system for a vehicle such as an articulated lorry and method of use thereof is provided. The articulated lorry includes at least a tractor unit and a trailer unit. The tractor unit has first coupling means provided on a fifth wheel which engages with second coupling means typically in the form of a kingpin on the trailer unit. The fifth wheel coupling means and the kingpin have one or more pneumatic and/or electrical supply lines provided therein which engage upon mechanical engagement of the fifth wheel coupling means and kingpin, thereby allowing pneumatic and/or electrical supply between said tractor unit and said trailer unit and/or vice versa. One of the fifth wheel coupling means or kingpin is provided with one or more annular protrusions on a coupling surface and the other is provided with complementary annular channels on a coupling surface.

Abstract: A suspension rail comprises a rail body (18) having a slide track (22,24) extending lengthwise of the rail, the slide track (22,24) being adapted to slidably support hangers thereon. The general novelty is that the slide track comprises two parallel tracks (22,24) of low friction plastics held in or by the rail body (18) and spaced by the rail body (18), so that a hanger (38) suspended on the rail contacts the rail only at the two tracks (22,24). Particular features are that the body (18) is a one piece extrusion of aluminium, and there are two rods (22,24) which form the tracks, these rods (22,24) being in grooves (18A,18B) in the body (18). The rods are firmly fixed by crimping part of the body (18) after the rods have been inserted in the grooves (18A,18B). Rods (22,24) of right angled triangular cross section are preferred as they can be inserted and clamped easier and held more securely than circular rods, and made to project further from the body than circular rods.

Abstract: A method of maintaining measurement accuracy of specific constituents in prompt gamma neutron activation analyzers in a flow of bulk material having a known range of flow rates. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of samples of the bulk material for insertion into the analyzer in geometries and quantities referred to as loading profiles. Each of the loading profiles is inserted into the analyzer and measured long enough to yield a measurement uncertainty that is small compared to the observed differences in analysis results from one loading to another. The results are recorded and differences computed as measured errors for subsequent mathematical generation of the expected error at any loading value.

Abstract: This self-contained multipurpose illumination device offers an individual a unique device that cannot only be used to adorn dress apparel, but may be easily removed and adapted for use in other applications, such as a safety device in adverse environments. The apparatus contains a series of illumination elements shaped similar to a shirt button stud which may be inserted through any common buttonhole or similar orifice in a garment. The illumination elements are connected to a control circuit and power source by way of a wiring harness.

Abstract: An electro-optic interface system configured to communicate, via an optical channel, an electronic signal between a fist and second electronic system includes a first electro-optic transceiver, an optical channel and a second electro-optic transceiver. The first electro-optic transceiver includes a signal port coupled to the first electronic system and an output coupled to the optical channel and includes a first transceiver emulator circuit, and a first transceiver laser. The first transceiver emulator circuit is configured to receive an electronic signal comprising parallel data from the fast electronic system and, in response, produces the serialized data. The first transceiver laser produces a first modulated output signal corresponding to the electronic signal communicated from the first electronic system. The second electro-optic transceiver includes a first port coupled to the optical channel and a second port coupled to the second electronic system.

Abstract: An imbedded Internet sensor system for protecting real property from the consequences of subterranean chemical pollution. The system provides real time monitoring of the first occurrence of contaminants in the subsurface of a property. An onsite processor controls a local network of sensors and a communication device relays the data to a remotely located database. The local network of sensor are made up of multiple acoustic wave sensors differentiated by sensor coatings configured into a sensor array. As a vapor contaminant passes across the surface of the surface acoustic wave sensor crystals, a shift is caused in the frequency of the acoustic wave. The shift is translated into an electronic signal that is communicated to the onsite processor, which in turn communicates the signal in the form of electronic data to a remote facility wherein remedial measures may be dispatched and appropriate parties notified.

Abstract: A multiple impeller flow inducing device in which driver coils are intermittently energized in timed relation to rotation of the impellers to interact with permanently magnetized portions of the impeller to rotate the same. The impellers can be rotated in opposite directions or in the same direction. A two section impeller construction allows each section to be magnetized in opposite pole orientation and when assembled creating alternate pole orientations of successive portions, arcuate segments forming a shroud or the type of blades can be magnetized to provide the impeller magnetized portions. Stator guide vanes can be interposed between successive impellers.

Abstract: A dental implant has a body with a press fit diameter fit into a hole drilled into a patient's jaw bone, and having a helical groove machined into the body diameter to improve the rate of growth of bone tissue thereinto to securely lock the implant in position. A shallow height oppositely wound helical thread may be added to increase the holding force upon initial fitting of the implant. The shallow height and long pitch of the thread produces only minimal stress of the surrounding bone tissue to insure long term retention.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to game devices and methods, and provides an apparatus for use in a hand game played by at least two players, hereinafter respectively referred to as the first and second players. The apparatus includes a harness secured to at least one hand of the first player and a capture object selectively positioned proximate to the harness and which is removable from the harness by the second player during play of the game. The present invention also contemplates a game which includes an offensive player and a defensive player, each player having a left and right hand, and each hand having an outer and inner surface. A left and right harness are respectively secured on the left and right hands of the offensive player. A left and right capture object are respectively positioned proximate to the left and right harnesses.

Abstract: The automatic non-reusable needle guard includes an outer cylinder adaptable to a needle or needle retaining device such as a syringe. An inner cylinder is operable with the outer cylinder for movement of the inner cylinder from an initial retractable position to a released or armed position and further to an extended irreversible position. The mechanism which provides movement of the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder incorporates a track formed in the inner surface of the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder incorporates at least one protruding member which may be formed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder and is positioned in the track for guiding the inner cylinder from the initial usable position to the released position and further to the extended irreversible position.