Abstract: An adjustable threshold has a lip portion with an adjustable vinyl insert to prevent material from becoming trapped or from engaging a seam present between a floor and a frame member portion adjacent to the floor. The adjustable threshold engages an H-rail trapped in the main U-shaped channel of the frame member which in turn covers and is generally supported by a substrate block. In a preferred embodiment, a first and generally front wall of the frame member is engaged only on one side by a threshold cap. The lip serves to help entrap a second descending wall of the threshold cap and to keep it in place to provide support and stability for the threshold cap. Alternative embodiments exist wherein a lip is advantageously present in a variety of embodiments.

Abstract: A surgical instrument to manipulate a patient's tissues, comprising a handle, a first blade, a second blade, and a blade actuator, and may further comprise a light and a power source. The first blade and the second blade each extend from the handle. The second blade is divided into at least two segments. The segments are each pivotable in relation to each other along a common axis. Movement of the blade actuator causes the segments of the second blade to pivot radially toward and away from each other.

Abstract: A vertical acceleration compensator is employed in the braking system of a vehicle wheel that undergoes vertical motion relative to the vehicle frame. The vertical acceleration compensator senses the vertical movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame and includes first and second component elements that form a variable volume compensation chamber. The vertical acceleration compensator is coupled in fluid communication with a brake fluid reservoir and a fluid actuated brake mechanism. The first and second compensator elements may be coupled to the vehicle wheel and to the vehicle frame. As a result, upward movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame reduces the volume of the compensation chamber, while downward movement of the vehicle wheel relative to the vehicle frame increases volume of the compensation chamber. A reduction in volume of the compensation chamber increases brake line pressure, thereby increasing the braking force on the wheel.

Abstract: A modular manifold includes a first pair of adjoining port modules configured with a first internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. A front cap is operatively coupled to one side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The front cap provides threaded access to the first internal channel. A second pair of adjoining port modules is operatively coupled to another side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The second pair of adjoining port modules has a second internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. The first and second internal channels define a common manifold channel. The side ports are aligned in a linear fashion. An end cap is operatively coupled to the second pair of adjoining port modules and configured to seal the common manifold channel.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for fixing a biological sample, particularly fecal samples for diagnosis of parasitic infection. The fixative composition of the present invention comprises glyoxal (pyruvate aldehyde) and zinc sulfate and permits staining of biological samples without use of toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde and mercury-containing compounds. The fixative is compatible with many diagnostic assays, including trichrome stains, hematoxlin, ELISA, fluorescent assays, and lateral flow assays.

Abstract: An air cooling device includes a thermally insulated container packed with encapsulated refrigerant and configured to pass incoming air for cooling. A tubular housing accommodates the packed container. A fan blower within the top portion of the housing draws ambient air through the bottom of the container within the refrigerant-packed interior of the container against gravity to prolong the air cooling period. The encapsulated refrigerant is implemented as a plurality of compacted frozen glycol balls serving as primary source of cooling for the incoming air. A multitude of pockets filled with cold air form between the compacted frozen glycol balls during device operation. These cold air pockets serve as secondary source of cooling for the flowing air.

Abstract: An underwater exhaust system includes an exhaust valve with a valve cover operatively coupled thereto. The valve cover is adapted to create an exhaled air pocket on the water interface side of the valve. The exhaled air pocket allows the valve to operate under reduced water resistance. The valve cover includes at least one water inlet passage and at least one exhaust gas opening.