Abstract: An apparatus for resisting coagulation of blood, includes a blood container having disposed therein antibody to blood coagulation factors for resisting coagulation of blood. The apparatus further includes a needle and a holder for the needle which are both operatively associated with the blood container. The blood coagulation factor antibody inhibits coagulation of the blood drawn by the needle into the blood container so that an uncoagulated blood sample is obtained.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke having a tubular body and a pair of ears projecting generally axially therefrom is provided. The ears-have an inner surface, an outer surface and an ear connecting surface. The ear connecting surface has a pair of lower portions, a pair of transition portions and an upper portion. The lower portions are oriented such that a generally straight line drawn in the tubular body connecting surface plane goes through (i) a point at the junction of the ear outer surface and the ear connecting surface; (ii) a point at the junction of the ear inner surface and the ear connecting surface; and (iii) a point on the axis of the tubular body. The upper portion is oriented such that a generally straight line drawn between (i) a point on the junction of the ear outer surface and the ear connecting surface and (ii) a point at the junction of the ear inner surface and the ear connecting surface is generally parallel to the common axis. The universal joint yoke includes a generally concave endcap.

Abstract: Molten metal containing suspended liquid particles is passed preferably generally upwardly through a porous media so constructed and arranged such that the movement of the molten metal therethrough renders the suspended liquid particles gravity separable. The gravity separable liquid particles rise upwardly or settle downwardly so as to be removable from said molten metal for subsequent removal therefrom. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the sensitivity of MAI to different antimicrobial agents and dosages thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of test tubes adapted to contain an amount of an antimicrobial agent to be tested and MAI complex organisms to be assayed and a separate paraffin coated slide adapted for placement in each of the test tubes. The growth of the MAI complex organisms on the slide can be used to determine the concentration of the antimicrobial agent necessary to resist MAI complex organism growth on the slide. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire valve stem stabilizing and supporting device that is used with a valve stem of an inner tire mounted on a dual wheel, the dual wheel having an access opening through which the valve stem passes. The device has a passageway through which the valve stem passes and is adapted to being removably secured in the access opening. In this way, the valve stem is stabilized and supported in the access opening. An associated kit, dual wheel system and method are also provided.

Abstract: The portable and modular cardiopulmonary bypass apparatus has met the above mentioned needs. The apparatus consists of (i) a first cannula assembly means for withdrawing blood from a patient, (ii) a pump means connected to the first cannula assembly means for receiving the withdrawn blood and for moving the blood through the apparatus, and (iii) a first tubing means connected to the pump means to transport the patient's blood away from the pump means. The apparatus further comprises (iv) oxygenator means for receiving blood from the first tubing means and for oxygenating the blood and (v) second cannula assembly means connected to the oxygenator means for returning the oxygenated blood to the patient. The apparatus is portable so that it can be used by medical personnel anywhere. In addition, the apparatus is adapted to include one or more modules for conditioning the blood, such as modules that include a heat exchanger, blood purifier, plasma and blood cell apheresis device and others.

Abstract: A hazardous material container storage building comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a floor for supporting containers of hazardous waste materials and tubes underlying the floor. In one embodiment, a first and second module are provided. A mechanical joining mechanism extends through the first module tube and the second module tube for securing the first module to the second module. The first and second modules are joined to create a single, unitary hazardous waste material storage building. A related method is also provided. Another embodiment of a hazardous waste material container storage building comprises providing a plurality of modules, each having a securing member disposed on the roof of each module. Two modules are joined by connecting a fastener to the securing members of each respective module. A related method is also disclosed. The first and second embodiment may be used in the same installation.

Abstract: A rotary plug valve actuator comprising a mounting bracket, a ball screw mechanism pivotably mounted to the mounting bracket and a lever pivotably mounted to the ball screw mechanism. The ball screw mechanism includes a ball screw shaft and a ball nut. The ball nut moves axially on the ball screw shaft when the ball screw shaft is rotated. The lever converts the axial movement of the ball nut to rotary motion. In that way, rotation of the ball screw shaft will in turn actuate the rotary plug valve. An associated rotary plug valve assembly and an associated method of actuating a rotary plug valve are also provided.

Abstract: A hazardous waste material container storage building comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a floor for supporting containers of hazardous waste materials and tubes underlying the floor. In one embodiment, a first and second module are provided. The invention further comprises a mechanical joining mechanism extending through the first module tube and the second module tube for securing the first module to the second module. The first and second modules are joined to create a single, unitary hazardous waste material storage building. A related method is also disclosed. Another embodiment of a hazardous waste material container storage building comprises providing a plurality of modules, each having a securing member disposed on the roof of each module. Two modules are joined by connecting a fastener to the securing members of each respective module. A related method is also disclosed. The first and second embodiment may be used in the same installation.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries and associated apparatus and a lead-acid battery design resulting therefrom is disclosed. The method involves providing a battery grid and pasting the grid with a battery paste such that a profiled and tapered battery plate is formed. This battery plate is wrapped onto a coil and cured in curing apparatus. A battery element is formed using coils of the finished plate stock, separator material, and winged end plate. After this, several battery elements are then placed into a battery container.

Abstract: A fixture mounting bracket having a mounting bracket body including a front wall and a back wall. At least a section of the back wall has a stepped configuration that conforms generally to the lapped profile of exterior siding. Disposed on at least a portion of the section of the back wall having the stepped configuration is a gasket. The gasket resists dirt and moisture from entering between the mounting bracket body and the siding. A fixture assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbon coated ceramic membrane including passing a selected hydrocarbon vapor through a ceramic membrane and controlling ceramic membrane exposure temperature and ceramic membrane exposure time. The method produces a carbon coated ceramic membrane of reduced pore size and modified surface properties having increased chemical, thermal and hydrothermal stability over an uncoated ceramic membrane.

Abstract: A mold element comprised of metallic pellets and a bonding agent to bond together the metallic pellets. The metallic pellets can be a mixture of ferrous shot and ferrous grit and the bonding agent can be a solvent or a resin. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An air conveyor moves light objects from one location to another and may also act as an accumulator for storing objects transported thereon. The conveyor has an elongated primary plenum and one or more elongated body members disposed over and in communication with the primary plenum through openings in the bottom wall of each body member. Each body member has a generally planar top deck disposed thereover. Each body member defines a secondary plenum between the top deck and the bottom wall of the body member. The top deck has a plurality of directional orifices formed therein. Blowers in communication with the primary plenum supply air to the secondary plenum through the primary plenum. The air from the secondary plenum is delivered through the directional orifices in the top deck and creates a current, or cushion, of air on which the objects move.

Abstract: A process for recovery of metallic aluminum, sodium and potassium chloride and an aluminum oxide-metallic aluminum product from secondary aluminum dross. A secondary aluminum dross feed is separated by particle size into a first dross portion which is water leached, filtered, evaporated in an evaporator to produce crystallized sodium and potassium chloride salts, magnesium chloride remaining in solution. A purge stream is removed from the evaporator wherein the crystallized salts are separated therefrom. The purge stream is then discharged onto the crystallized salts.

Abstract: A hazardous waste material container storage building comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a floor for supporting containers of hazardous waste materials and tubes underlying the floor. In one embodiment, a first and second module are provided. A mechanical joining mechanism extends through the first module tube and the second module tube for securing the first module to the second module. The first and second modules are joined to create a single, unitary hazardous waste material storage building. A related method is also provided. Another embodiment of a hazardous waste material container storage building comprises a plurality of modules, each having a securing member disposed on the roof of each module. Two modules are joined by connecting a fastener to the securing members of each respective module. A related method is also provided. The first and second embodiment may be used in the same installation.

Abstract: A method of speciating and identifying MAI in a specimen comprises placing a paraffin coated slide in a receptacle containing a sterile aqueous solution inoculated with the specimen, analyzing the slide after exposure to the specimen to determine the presence or absence of atypical Mycobacteria, and after the analysis step, if atypical Mycobacteria are determined to be present, performing at least one speciation assay to ascertain if the atypical Mycobacteria are MAI. A related apparatus is also disclosed for speciating and identifying MAI in a specimen comprising a paraffin-wax coated slide, a tube having a sterile aqueous solution contained therein, the tube adapted to hold the slide, and at least one speciation assay means for performing an assay to determine the presence or absence of MAI in the specimen after the specimen is introduced into the tube holding the solution and the slide.

Abstract: A louvered blind having a first blind assembly defining a first passageway and a second blind assembly defining a second passageway. A rod passes through both the first and second passageways. A first spacer is frictionally secured to the rod and has a portion disposed in the first passageway for securing the rod to the first blind assembly. The rod is fixedly secured to the second blind. The louvered blind also includes a mechanism for rotating the first spacer and a stop mechanism operatively associated with the rod to resist rotation of the rod. In use, the first spacer and the first blind assembly can be rotated simultaneously with the rod and the second blind assembly. The spacer and the first blind can also be rotated when the stop mechanism resists rotation of the rod and the second blind assembly so that the first blind assembly can be rotated independently of the second blind assembly.

Abstract: The top hung sash assembly of the invention comprises a hinge bar and a frame assembly hingedly connected to the hinge bar. The frame assembly includes a head extrusion member, a sill member and two side members with at least one glazing member mounted therein. The head extrusion includes a first flange which defines a recess. Secured in the recess is weatherstripping which contacts the hinge bar when the frame assembly is closed against the hinge bar. The weatherstripping is only partially compressed when the frame assembly is closed against the hinge bar. The invention further provides a window construction and a related method for joining a plurality of window assemblies which properly spaces the assemblies relative to the building opening and each other and which allows for subsequent thermal expansion and contraction while remaining sealed.

Abstract: The invention provides a package for packaging of products which provides evidence of tampering with or adulteration of the product by providing a readily visible indication that any such tampering or adulteration has occurred. The invention in one form provides an inner container which is in turn at least partially covered with a tamper evident packaging material. The packaging material is a tamper evident composite material comprising a photopolymerizable composition layer which is cured and it becomes extremely brittle such that any physical penetration of this packaging material will cause the brittle layer to fracture or shatter. Such shattering will provide a clear indication that penetration of the packaging material has occurred. Also there may be provided an asociated dye which will exhibit a color change when the brittle layer is fractured or shattered.