Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clot and foreign body removal system, including a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture wire that is connected to a hub at the proximal end. In one embodiment, the clot capture wire includes a coil made out of an elastic or superelastic material, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic, shape memory coil, which changes shape upon heating, energy application, or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot or blockage in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed completely or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: A fluororubber composition which (1) is clean, (2) achieves a higher specific gravity, (3) achieves a better physical property in terms of breaking elongation, (4) is free of halogen substance (chlorine), and (5) provides a rubber surface which is non-tacky to metal(s); and a method for producing a crosslinked fluororubber product. The fluororubber composition includes a peroxide-crosslinkable fluororubber comprising a terfluoropolymer; barium sulfate; a peroxide crosslinking agent; and a salt having BF4? as a counter ion; wherein the barium sulfate is included in an amount of 50 to 180 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the fluoropolymer; and wherein the salt having BF4? as a counter ion is included in an amount of 0.7 to 1.5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A device for protecting cerebral vessels or brain tissue during treatment of a carotid vessel includes a catheter having a distal portion, a proximal portion and a lumen extending therebetween, the catheter including first and second expandable areas for vessel occlusion provided over the length of the catheter. The device further includes an elongate stretching member insertable longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter, the elongate stretching member being configured for stretching at least a portion of the catheter and causing the first and second expandable areas to transition from an expanded state to a collapsed state, and wherein the elongate stretching member is retracted proximally relative to the catheter causes the first and second expandable areas to transition from the collapsed state to a radially, or laterally expanded state.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for classifying a received signal. The method includes determining a covariance matrix of signal values of the received signal, and determining an eigenvalue matrix of the covariance matrix. The eigenvalue matrix includes the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix. A first function is determined from at least one eigenvalue of the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix. A second function is determined from at least one eigenvalue of the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix, wherein the second function is different from the first function. Dependent from a comparison between a value of the first function and a value of the second function, the received signal is classified into a signal comprising data or into a noise signal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reticular contact body element includes the process of manufacturing a rotating circular reticulate contact body element 4 by cutting and processing a synthetic resin fiber block that is formed by gluing the intersections of fiber yarn formed in the shape of a three-dimensional reticulum, cutting the synthetic resin fiber block to form fan shapes, making through holes 20 in the fan-shaped reticulate contact body element precursor, forming compression sections 25 by compressing the periphery 21 of the reticulate contact body element precursor and the circumferences of the through holes 20 with a hot press machine, hot-pressing the whole face of the reticulate contact body element precursor except its periphery 21 and the circumferences of the through holes 20 with the hot press machine at temperatures of 90-140° C.

Abstract: An assembly for securing an openable aperture closure member (11) in closed position relative to an aperture defines by a main frame (12), the aperture closure member (11) including a mechanically rotational element (24, 44, 54) for securing said closure member (11) to the frame (12), the assembly for securing comprising a push and/or pull actuation assembly (35) for easing the securing and/or releasing process for the aperture closure member, the actuation assembly including a handle bar (26) and at least one connecting member (37) which operably connects the handle bar (36) to the mechanical element (24, 44, 54); wherein the push and/or pull actuation assembly (35) is adapted to be translationally movable by an operator and the connecting member (37) is adapted to convert translational movement of the actuation assembly (35) into rotational forcing movement of the mechanically rotational element (24, 44, 54).

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of a victim's chest using a compression belt operably attached to a platform upon which a patient rests. In use, the compression belt is wrapped around the patient and at least one spindle operably attached to the platform.

Abstract: A glazed solar collector with a frame surrounding an absorber. The frame is provided with an inwardly and/or outwardly directed attachment ledge (1a) to which the glazing(4) is attached. A protective Stripping (9) covers the edges of the cover pane(4) and is provided with a ledge (9b) that rests on the attachment ledge (1a). The side- and end panels(1) of the frame include an inwardly projecting bottom ledge (1b) to which a backsheet(5) may be attached by means of welding or TOXing(22). The bottom ledge (Ib) also includes an outwardly projecting ledge that is provided with spaced through going bores along the length of the side- and end panels for i-eceiving fasteners (20) therein that allow the collector to be fastened to a roof structure (19) or the like.

Abstract: Problem: To provide a novel compound capable of preventing pyrolysis of fluorinated oils when it is used as an additive for the fluorinated oils. Solution Means: A compound represented by Formula (1): wherein Y represents an oxygen atom (O), a sulfur atom (S), a CO group, a SO group, or a SO2 group; k is an integer from 1 to 5; m is an integer from 1 to 10; and n is an integer of 1 or more; and wherein two substituents on each phenyl group may be in any of ortho-, meta-, and para-positions.

Abstract: A universal metal stud clip is a support mechanism for securing one or more electrical boxes or other construction components to metal construction elements such as metal studs. The opposed spring arm design permits the clip to be oriented in any useful way and frictionally secured to metal studs of varying dimensions. Metal stud clips include one or more pair of resilient arms to frictionally engage metal studs. Using two or more pair of resilient arms provides a very stable attachment to the metal stud.

Abstract: A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track.

Abstract: A push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, and is provided with at least two rollers on each of the driving pins, one of the rollers engages a drive sprocket and the other of said at least two rollers engages a chain guide surface. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses this dual-roller push-pull chain. A link driven push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, with links that is shaped as an engagement surface for engaging a drive sprocket. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses the link driven push-pull chain.

Abstract: A cable bracket may be stamped from sheet material and folded to form a generally rectangular cable bracket suitable for attachment to, or within a wall or other construction space. The cable bracket may releasable secure multiple cables and or conduits. Two or more spring elements may be formed in the bracket to control and secure the cables within the bracket. A cable bracket may be secured to a metal, wood or concrete building element using any suitable fastener such as screws, nails, rivets and or bolts.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane treatment method and a membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module, which are capable of inhibiting the formation of scale on the membrane surface to reduce fouling, using a simple installation. [Means for Solving the Problem] The membrane treatment method and the membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module according to the invention, having a membrane treatment tank 2 and a membrane module 1 provided in the tank for continuously performing filtration while ballast water is being passed thereto as raw water; wherein a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided in the membrane treatment tank 2 so as to come into contact with raw water in the tank, and a current passing means is provided in the tank for applying a voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for preventing air from entering a first catheter of a multi-catheter system. Air is prevented from entering the proximal end of the first catheter by an axially elongate chamber having an impeller, the chamber being affixed to the proximal end of the first catheter. The air is removed through a port near the centerline of the chamber. Liquid removed with the air is returned to the chamber to minimize liquid loss during the procedure. A second catheter inserted through the chamber and into the first catheter is unable to entrain gas into the first catheter because any gas that enters the chamber is routed to the centerline of the chamber where it is removed. Inflow of fluid from an external pump scrubs the second catheter shaft of air bubbles attached by surface tension.

Abstract: A device for biopsy of body tissue. The device is driven by liquid CO2, and is provided with a control system to control various components to effectuate rotating core biopsies.

Abstract: A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.

Abstract: A rear projection imaging system with an image warping distortion correction system using a camera and processing unit to generate a warping map that corrects for image distortion. The warping map is generated in an iterative process by displaying a known pattern on a viewing screen and, through the use of a camera, having a microprocessor determine the location and shape of the pattern on the screen. The microprocessor then compares the displayed image to the original reference image, calculates the distortion effects present in the projection optics, and generates a warping map.