Abstract: In a cuvette for performing a diagnostic test on a specimen, a base defines a first chamber for receiving a reagent, and a second chamber for receiving a test specimen. The second chamber is defined by four side surfaces forming a rectangular configuration, and a base surface extending between the side surfaces. The base surface defines a frangible wall which is breakable in order to place the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber. A cover is coupled to the base and is moveable between an open position spaced away from the second chamber for permitting introduction of the specimen into the second chamber, and a closed position overlying and enclosing the second chamber. A self-aligning piercing member is provided on the cover and defines a tip engageable with the base surface of the second chamber upon movement of the cover into the closed position to thereby break the frangible wall, and in turn allow the test specimen to mix with the reagent in the second chamber.

Abstract: A multiple plate clutch/brake employs a single electromagnet coil to attract an elongate cylindrical armature to compress a series of non-ferromagnetic friction plates alternately joined to one of two independently rotatable shafts. The armature joins one set of friction plates to its shaft for torsional but not axial forces. The compression of the friction plates by the armature transmits torque between the shafts rather than frictional contact by the armature itself. The magnetic path to the armature may pass through two axial gaps to provide a net axial force on the armature. A portion of the magnetic path is provided by one of the shafts.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor and a bearing support and motor housing assembly, wherein the bearing support is detachably mounted to the housing with a flexible fastener, such as a snap ring. A resilient member, such as a spring washer, is seated between the fastener and either the housing or the bearing support to apply a biasing force against the fastener.

Abstract: A support device for controlling breast thickness during stereotactic guided needle biopsy is provided. The support device includes a compressible support having an inner surface which extends adjacent to a substantial portion of a peripheral surface of a patient's breast when the breast and the support are disposed between the fixed and pressure plates of an apparatus for performing stereotactic guided needle biopsy. The compressible support restricts the inferior and lateral excursion of the breast as the plates are moved toward one another and the patient's breast and the compressible support are pressed between the plates. A method for controlling breast thickness during stereotactic guided needle biopsy is also provided.

Abstract: An improved spiral wound gasket is disclosed that deters and redirects buckling. The invention includes the following: an integral inner ring, a gasket element, outer wraps and a outer guide ring. The integral inner ring is a winding of a thin strip of metal of at least seven revolutions that is overlapped over itself and secured to itself. The gasket element is wound around the integral inner ring and includes a second thin strip of metal and also a thin strip of filler material so as to form alternate layers of the thin strip of metal and filler material. The outer wraps are a winding around the circumference of the gasket element of a thin strip of metal. The invention also discloses a new outer guide ring that has a inside edge that, together with the outside circumferential edge of a spiral wound gasket, defines apertures. These apertures or expansion zones allow filler material to displace radially outwardly rather than radially inwardly to form buckles.

Abstract: A fluid filtration device is disclosed which includes a capsule housing having an upper housing portion defining an axial fluid inlet and a lower housing portion defining an axial fluid outlet, a filter assembly including an elongated mounting post and a plurality of filtration cells supported on the mounting post in axially spaced apart relationship, and structure operatively associated with the mounting post and the lower housing portion for effectuating axial compression of the filtration cells relative to the mounting post when the mounting post is engaged in the lower housing portion during assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of treating damaged hair and a system of formulations for carrying out the process. Treatment according to the invention incorporates protein into the structure of damaged hair by the use of an aqueous solution including an acid and a positively charged electrolyte.

Abstract: In an apparatus forming a combined hand truck and machine stand, a first frame support is pivotally coupled to a second frame support for movement between a first position forming a hand truck and a second position forming a machine stand. A machine support is pivotally coupled to the first frame support and is movable relative thereto between a first position forming the hand truck and a second position forming the machine stand. A base plate is pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the first frame support, and is movable between a first position pivoted outwardly relative to the first frame support and locked in place to prevent the apparatus from toppling when in the form of a hand truck, and a second position pivoted inwardly relative to the first frame support when the apparatus is in the form of a machine stand. The second frame support includes a pair of legs and a cross-piece support extending between and coupled for rotation to each leg.

Abstract: A composition for reducing serum cholesterol in humans and animals is provided. The composition includes phytosterol and policosanol which together produce a synergistic effect in lowering serum cholesterol levels. Preferably the composition includes about 3.2:1 parts by weight of phytosterol and policosanol.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing the spillage of fuel into the water or onto a marine vessel when filling a fuel tank on the vessel. A vent line is coupled between the fuel tank and a vent port of the vessel, at least one valve assembly coupled within the vent line, and an overflow container is coupled within the vent line between the valve assembly and the vent port. The valve assembly defines a drain hole for permitting small quantities of fuel, gases and/or vapors to pass through the valve assembly and into the overflow container. A fill container defines an inlet port for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel and an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with a fill line for receiving a fuel nozzle to fill the fuel tank with fuel, and an outlet port coupled in fluid communication with a fill line for the passage of fuel between the fill container and the fuel tank.

Abstract: In an apparatus for shearing multi-walled workpieces, such as metal framing studs, a pair of base supports are spaced relative to each other to define a blade gap therebetween, and a guillotine-like blade is slidably received within the gap for shearing the workpieces. A pair of first supports, each defining a plurality of first support surfaces, are each slidably mounted on a respective base support. A pair of second supports, each defining a plurality of second support surfaces, are also each slidably mounted on a respective base support, and the second supports are spaced apart from and face the first supports to thereby define an adjustable-width channel therebetween. Each of the first, second and base supports defines a blade-like edge located adjacent to and defining the blade gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for generating a 360.degree. view of a surface area of a three-dimensional object, such as a wire or cable, and for inspecting the surface area for flaws or imperfections. A receiving lens defines an optical axis extending through the object, and an origin located on the optical axis within the object and spaced a predetermined distance from the receiving lens, for generating a direct image of a front surface section of the object. A first mirror is spaced a first predetermined distance from the origin on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens for generating a first mirror image of a first rear surface section of the object. A second mirror is spaced a second predetermined distance from the origin on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens, and on another side of the optical axis relative to the first mirror, for generating a second mirror image of a second rear surface section of the object.

Abstract: In a spray nozzle, a carrier defines a spray aperture, a groove surrounding the spray aperture for receiving an o-ring, a first locating bore for slidably receiving an orifice plate seated against the o-ring and for aligning the orifice plate with the spray aperture, and a second locating bore for slidably receiving a swirl unit and aligning the swirl unit with the orifice plate and spray aperture. A pair of retaining lugs project inwardly from the carrier a predetermined distance for engaging the upstream end of the swirl unit to thereby retain the swirl unit and orifice plate within the carrier. The swirl unit defines on its peripheral surface a recessed flat which is aligned with the retaining lugs to thereby clear the lugs upon inserting the swirl unit into the carrier. An elongated slot is formed on the upstream end of the swirl unit for receiving a screw driver.

Abstract: Methods for rapid detoxification of patients addicted to opioid narcotics are provided. The methods include administering nalmefene to induce acute withdrawal, and administering dextromethorphan with nalmefene or other opioid antagonists to reduce the patient's subjective feelings of residual withdrawal symptoms following detoxification. In one method of rapid detoxification, unconsciousness is induced by anesthetizing the patient with desflurane.

Abstract: A machine tool has a rotatably mounted part and a rotary leadthrough connected thereto, through which a fluid can be delivered to the rotatably mounted part. The rotary leadthrough further comprises an outlet from which leaking fluid emerges in the event of a leak in the rotary leadthrough. The outlet is connected to a fluid sensor which detects the emerging fluid and reports the leak.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling a machine tool that has a spindle which rotates at a variable rotation speed n about a spindle axis. The spindle carries a facing head that is fitted with a tool whose radial distance V from the spindle axis is adjustable by means of a control system. The distance V and/or the rotation speed n are modified as a function of a machining operation to be performed with the tool. In order to attain a desired distance V.sub.actual, the control system specifies a reference value V.sub.ref that is smaller than the desired distance V.sub.actual by a certain correction value .DELTA.V, the correction value .DELTA.V being calculated as a function of the desired distance V.sub.actual and the rotation speed n.

Abstract: An encapsulated filter cartridge assembly is disclosed which is adapted and configured for reception within an elongated cartridge housing of a filtration system. The filter cartridge assembly includes an elongated filtration element, a connector head positioned adjacent an upper end portion of the filtration element, an outer shell extending axially from the connector head and encapsulating the filtration element, and an expansion joint integrally formed in the outer shell to facilitate expansion of the outer shell within the elongated cartridge housing.

Abstract: A lift valve communicating with a compression chamber of a .?.variable capacity.!. screw compressor is set forth including a valve housing, a piston reciprocally received within the valve housing, a shaft having a first end connected to the piston and a second end extending from the housing. The valve further includes a valve element connected to the second end of the shaft having a valve surface exposed to the compression chamber and a reciprocation mechanism for reciprocating the piston within the housing. The reciprocation mechanism includes a first pressure passage communicating with the housing adjacent a side of the piston, and a second pressure passage communicating with the housing adjacent and opposed side of the piston, wherein the valve surface is positively displaced toward and away from the compression chamber of the .?.variable capacity.!. screw compressor in response to the application of fluid pressure to at least one of the first and second pressure passages .?.

Abstract: A lift valve communicating with a compression chamber of a .?.variable capacity.!. screw compressor is set forth including a valve housing, a piston reciprocally received within the valve housing, a shaft having a first end connected to the piston and a second end extending from the housing. The valve further includes a valve element connected to the second end of the shaft having a valve surface exposed to the compression chamber and a reciprocation mechanism for reciprocating the piston within the housing. The reciprocation mechanism includes a first pressure passage communicating with the housing adjacent a side of the piston, and a second pressure passage communicating with the housing adjacent and opposed side of the piston, wherein the valve surface is positively displaced toward and away from the compression chamber of the .?.variable capacity.!. screw compressor in response to the application of fluid pressure to at least one of the first and second pressure passages .?.