Abstract: A composite thermoset polymer matrix structure having a plurality of homogeneously bonded thermoset polymer layers and a method of forming the same is disclosed. Each of the layers is formed from either a pure thermoset polymer resin or a composition of any of a variety of thermoset polymer resins and any of a variety of agents or combination of agents heterogeneously dispersed and suspended within the thermoset polymer resin. In this manner, each layer exhibits a distinct desirable functional property or characteristic depending upon an intended application. The agents are selected from a group of additives including but not limited to anti-microbial agents, anti-fungal agents, anti-viral agents, anti-thrombotic agents, friction reducing agents; radiopaque agents, and electrically conductive or resistive agents. The composite thermoset polymer matrix structure may be formed into any size or any shape, object, or structure.

Abstract: A toaster mechanism includes a base, a carriage movable relative to the base and including a hook and a switch bar, a first switch associated with heating elements of the toaster and supported by the base and being activated by the switch bar, a timer-deactivated electromagnet supported by the base, a catch block movably supported by the base and including a bearing surface against which the hook can bear to move the block, a catch surface to catch the hook, a ferrous part interacting with the electromagnet, and an activating surface. A second switch is associated with the electromagnet and is in series electrically with the first switch. The first switch receives electric current only when the second switch is closed by the activating surface of the catch block. This ensures that toast does not burn if it is jammed in the toaster after a specified toasting time.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: A family of high speed transistors and optoelectronic devices is obtained on a monolithic substrate with an epitaxial layer structure comprised of two modulation doped transistor structures, one inverted with respect to the other. The transistor structures are obtained by modification of the Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (PHEMT) structure and are combined in a unique way to create a thyristor structure. The thyristor structure may be used as a digital modulator, a transceiver, an amplifier and a directional coupler. These devices may be realized as either waveguide or vertical cavity devices. The vertical cavity construction enables resonant cavity operation of all device modes. In addition to the multiple optoelectronic properties, the structure also produces inversion channel bipolar devices termed BICFETs having either electrons or holes as the majority carrier and heterostructure FETs with both electron and hole channels.

Abstract: A garment hanger includes a clamp having a pair of jaw members, wherein at least one jaw member is pivotable relative to the other between open and closed positions. The jaw members are provided with an arrangement of ridges, at least some of the ridges defining a plurality of teeth. The ridges are preferably arranged in three rows in each of the jaw members, and each row preferably extends substantially across the respective jaw member. Each of the ridges preferably has a rear wall which extends substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the ridges are located, and a front wall which extends from the surface on which the ridges are located to the rear wall such that each of the ridges in cross-section has a cuspid-like appearance. The clamp has been demonstrated to have superior gripping ability on denim jeans garments.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of the capsule. The ceramic spacer preferably is hollow and a radiopaque or MRI-visible marker extends therethrough. Each of the embodiments is designed to provide a substantially isotropic distribution of radiation.

Abstract: An implantable radiation therapy device includes a biocompatible radiotranslucent outer capsule containing a radiation shielding element and a radioactive isotope at least partially shielded by the shielding element. When the device is at or below body temperature, radiation is prevented or limited from being transmitted through the outer capsule by the shielding element. When non-ambient energy is applied to the device, the shielding element and radioactive isotope are reconfigured such that an increased level of radiation is transmitted through the outer capsule and emitted by the device.

Abstract: A heart stabilizer includes a shaft and two articulating arms coupled to a distal end of the shaft. At the end of each arm is a rotatable foot adapted to be angled relative to the heart wall contour and apply pressure against the wall of the heart to effectively eliminate motion of the heart wall between the feet. The stabilizer is adapted to provide a stabilized area sufficiently large to allow an accurate anastomosis to be performed. According to preferred aspects of the invention, the stabilizer is particularly adapted to be collapsible (foldable) to be inserted through the port device and locked longitudinally relative thereto. The stabilizer is also preferably adapted to be automatically deployed into its final configuration by release of a lock actuated at a proximal portion of stabilizer extending outside the port. In addition, the stabilizer is adapted to automatically fold when being pulled back through the port.

Abstract: A port device is insertable between the ribs of a patient and functions as an entryway for surgical instruments. The port device includes a tubular body having proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of the tubular body is coupled to a swivel adapted to be moved between a first orientation in which the swivel extends in substantially a same direction as the body, and a second orientation at an angle relative to, and preferably substantially perpendicular to, the first orientation. In the second orientation, the swivel engages the inside of the chest wall. The proximal portion of the tubular body has a clamping assembly which clamps the chest wall against the swivels to secure the port in its location. The port body can be anchored in a various angular positions.

Abstract: There is described a collapsible wall unit for clothes which has at least one frame unit which is of generally triangular shape and consists of a first plate portion, a rod portion, and a second plate portion. A rail can be positioned between the frame units and used to support clothes. Alternatively, clothes can be hung on the rod portion of a single frame unit. When not in use, the frame unit can be disassembled and rests against the wall.

Abstract: An IC package includes a high thermal conductivity insulating material substrate, such as polycrystalline diamond, on which the IC is mounted for thermal management. The electrical lead pins of the package are electrically connected to the IC and thermally connected to the substrate.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a plurality of substantially rigid, preferably plastic body sections including a head section, a tail section, and three central body sections, decreasing in size from the head to the tail, therebetween. Each section behind the head section includes a hinge portion, and each section in front of the tail section includes a cavity, and each hinge portion is snap fit into the cavity of an adjacent section to form a hinge assembly having a pivot axis inside the respective cavity. The hinge assemblies are together adapted to permit different degrees of relative movement of selected adjacent sections to more closely simulate the movement of a live bait fish, and particularly produce fluid tail end movement, as the lure is being pulled through water. Various embodiments are provided.

Abstract: The desynchronizer of the present invention includes two FIFOs. The first FIFO has two address counters (write and read), an intermediate count register, circuitry for calculating the difference between the write and intermediate counts and the intermediate and read counts, a logic block for performing pointer leak and other arithmetic functions, and a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). The second FIFO has read and write counters, a phase-frequency detector, and an internal VCO controlled by length measurements of the second FIFO. The desynchronizer receives data bits, pointer movement indications, and stuff indications from a DS-3/E3 demapper and, using the first FIFO, the address counters, etc., removes the low frequency components, including SONET/SDH systemic gapping in order to provide the second FIFO with a DS-3/E3 signal having a high frequency phase modulation. The second FIFO removes the remaining high frequency gapping jitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reliably detecting both AIS and AIS-CI signals in the presence of a bit error ratio up to 1×10−3 includes an AIS detector having an AIS indication output, a CI detector having a CI indication output, and a two signal AND gate having its inputs coupled to the respective outputs of the detectors and having an output indicative of an AIS-CI detection. The AIS detector has an adjustable zero threshold and the CI detector has a threshold output coupled to the AIS detector for adjusting the zero threshold. According to the method of the invention, the AIS detector zero threshold is normally set at the normal threshold (1×10−3) but is reset to a higher threshold (e.g., 2×10−3) when the CI detector detects the presence of the CI code word.

Abstract: An air compressor for charging an internal combustion engine includes a compressor for blowing compressed air into the intake manifold of the engine and a gas powered turbine for driving the compressor. In a first embodiment, the exhaust from a small gas powered turbine is coupled to the driving turbine of a standard turbocharger. In a second embodiment, the drive shaft of a small gas powered turbine is coupled to the drive shaft of a standard supercharger. In a third embodiment, a compressor turbine having an air intake, a compressed air outlet, and a bleed air outlet is coupled to a small gas powered turbine such that the bleed air outlet supplies the combustor intake of the gas turbine. The gas powered turbine drives the compressor and receives compressed air from the compressor via the bleed outlet. The system provides a constant boost, does not use engine horsepower, is easy to install, and does not need to be coupled to a rotating shaft or the exhaust system of the engine.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes a SAW oscillator and a “push oscillator” to force the SAW oscillator into a desired mode of operation. A SAW temperature oscillator and a thermistor are also provided. The frequency of the “push oscillator” is made immune to temperature changes by generating it via a mixer mixing the SAW temperature oscillator with an adjustable fixed frequency oscillator. Long term stability of the SAW temperature oscillator is achieved by periodic calibration with the thermistor.

Abstract: An ampoule incubator and light analyzer is provided which includes a housing having at least one receptacle for an ampoule, an incubation system, a light analysis system, and a master control system. According to the invention, the incubation system includes, for each receptacle, a heating element which heats the ampoule and a temperature sensor which senses the temperature of the ampoule. Each receptacle is preferably insulated to prevent unintended heating of neighboring receptacles of the apparatus. The incubation system is adapted to quickly heat the receptacle, and consequently the ampoule provided therein, up to the desired temperature. The incubation system is calibrated by soaking the circuits of the control system in a controlled temperature environment maintained at the desired operation temperature for analysis of the ampoules.

Abstract: A volar fixation system includes a T-shaped plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone, a plurality of bone screws for securing the plate along an non-fractured portion of the radial bone, and a plurality of bone pegs which extend from the plate and into bone fragments of a Colles' fracture. The plate includes including a plurality of screw holes and a plurality of threaded peg holes. The bone pegs can be articulated through a range of angles within respective peg holes and fixed at a desired angle within the range. For each peg, once the peg has been appropriately positioned within the peg hole, a set screw is threaded into the peg hole and tightened, thereby securing the peg in the selected orientation.