Abstract: The present invention integrates an inverse modeling technique and a field measurement system. The system uses inexpensive and non-hazardous gaseous tracers injected inside the contained volume of a barrier to quantify the location and size of any leaks in the barrier. The vapor sampling point installation, which allows the collection of soil gas samples from multiple points around the barrier installation, can be accomplished with conventional drilling or direct push techniques. The system uses a field-proven soil gas analyzer, incorporated in a sampling system capable of monitoring many sample points with relatively high time resolution. A rigorous inverse modeling technology is integrated with the data system for real time analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved investment powders for use in making improved investment molds for casting metals, and the use of such molds with vacuum and/or either conventional, convection conduction or microwave heating apparatus, to rapidly eliminate water, wax and residual carbon from the mold cavities at temperatures lower than the casting temperature range of the mold at the time of casting.

Abstract: A device for use on various nectar-type bird feeders, that prevents insect contamination. The device presents an effective physical barrier to the entry of insects, but is easily penetrated by the bill of a feeding bird. The device can be constructed to fit any of the currently available nectar feeder configurations or may be incorporated into feeders, specially adapted.

Abstract: An infant feeding container is disclosed which attempts to imitate a human female breast in form and function. The container comprises a dome shaped member including a pliant outer surface. The dome shaped member substantially defines a volumetric space adequate to contain from four to eleven ounces of liquid and has the approximate form of a human female breast. The dome portion includes an upper crest and a lower skirt, the skirt portion being not less than seven centimeters in diameter at its outermost circumference. A ducted nipple protrudes from the crest of the dome and a bottom closure is secured to the dome portion adjacent to the skirt portion. Included are double and triple wall embodiments, a unique removable liner, optional means to couple the container to a conventional breast pump, an anti-vacuum feature, thermographic means to warn against overheated contents, and jackets in infant friendly materials.

Abstract: A polymer surface and near surface treatment process produced by irradiation with high energy particle beams. The process is preferably implemented with pulsed ion beams. The process alters the chemical and mechanical properties of the polymer surface in a manner useful for a wide range of commercial applications.

Abstract: A device for use on various nectar-type bird feeders, that prevents insect contamination. The device presents an effective physical barrier to the entry of insects, but is easily penetrated by the bill of a feeding bird. The device can be constructed to fit any of the currently available nectar feeder configurations or may be incorporated into feeders, specially adapted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for, preferably, determining noninvasively and in vitro pH in a human. The non-invasive method includes the steps of: generating light at three or more different wavelengths in the range of 1000 nm to 2500 nm; irradiating blood containing tissue; measuring the intensities of the wavelengths emerging from the blood containing tissue to obtain a set of at least three spectral intensities v. wavelengths; and determining the unknown values of pH. The determination of pH is made by using measured intensities at wavelengths that exhibit change in absorbance due to histidine titration. Histidine absorbance changes are due to titration by hydrogen ions. The determination of the unknown pH values is performed by at least one multivariate algorithm using two or more variables and at least one calibration model. The determined pH values are within the physiological ranges observed in blood containing tissue.

Abstract: A bottomless foldable carrier for transporting a plurality of food or beverage containers, including (a) a handle portion; (b) a first cup supporting panel having at least a first elliptical opening therein; (c) a second cup supporting panel having at least a second elliptical opening therein; (d) a flexible connection between the handle portion and the first and second cup supporting panels which permits the handle portion to be moved between a position where the handle portion is perpendicular to the first and second panels and a position where the handle portion is substantially parallel with one of the first and second panels; and (e) a third panel with third and fourth elliptical openings, which connects both the first and second cup supporting panels, limits movement of the first cup supporting panel towards the second cup supporting panel when beverage containers are placed in and carried by the first and second openings, and allows perpendicular alignment between the first and third, and second and fo

Abstract: The present invention discloses catheter tube retaining devices having a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a strap (or equivalent) for attaching such a device to the human body. The disk is capable of rotation relative to the base through at least a 90 degree arc. Further, the disk has formed upon a top surface at least one U-shaped retaining channel or groove of sufficient diameter as to retain a catheter tube in interference fit, without restricting the passage of fluid through such tube. Preferably, at least one pair of opposing tabs (or equivalent) protrude over the retaining channel to assist in the retention of the catheter tube. The disk can accommodate four channels, for different sizes of catheter tubes.

Abstract: A system for characterizing contamination or integrity information from within a pipe, including a flexible tubular membrane which is extendable within the pipe and inflatable to a diameter effective to urge the tubular membrane against the rigid wall. The tubular membrane has a first end and a second end, and is initially rolled up and connected to a reel inside of a deployment system. A tether connects the deployment system to a characterization tool retained within the tubular membrane, which is attached adjacent to the second end of the tubular membrane. When the system is engaged, pressurized fluid enters the tubular membrane causing the membrane to invert and distend into and through the pipe's interior.

Abstract: This invention provides a fixed or portable non-lethal laser security device and method for use of such device as a non-damaging weapon and security system to provides warning and visual impairment upon an intruder. At a predetermined laser wavelength and intensity, this invention utilizes laser light in the visible portion of the wavelength spectrum to create temporary visual impairment, hesitation, delay, distraction, and reductions in combat and functional effectiveness through the effects of glare, flashblind, and psychological impact. The preferred embodiment of the laser security device in the present invention involves the use of laser technology with a remotely operated security system.

Abstract: A scalp scrubber for insertion between the scalp of a human head and an artificial hair piece attached to the scalp along at least a portion of the perimeter of the hair piece. The scrubber includes a handle portion having a free end and a scrubber head portion attached to the opposite end of the handle portion. The head portion, which is wide and flat, also includes a plurality of flexible teeth having rounded exposed tips. The teeth are no longer than approximately 3/16 of an inch, whereby the overall thickness of the scrubber head portion and teeth is no greater than 1/2 of an inch to permit easy insertion of the scrubber head portion between the human head's scalp and the hair piece without disturbing the attachment between the scalp and the hair piece. The handle and scrubber head portions may be provided with ducts to permit the passage of water during the scrubbing and cleansing process to clean the scalp and the hair piece, and warm air during the drying process to dry the scalp and the hair piece.

Abstract: A portable flash tube intensity monitoring system which includes: an internal power supply; a human eye spectral response photodiode for producing analog signals, each of which is directly proportional to the intensity of each flash from the flash tube; electronics for converting each of the analog signals to a digital time function proportional to the intensity of the corresponding flash; electronics, including a microprocessor, for monitoring the digital time function, for flagging a time function which is below a preselected minimum, for communicating status signals to a localized operator display when the time function is below the preselected minimum, and for testing of an internal power source; a fixed distance indicator which allows accurate measurement from a remote coordinate location; and an operator display. The monitoring system is preferably integrally formed for ease of use and portability.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for, preferably, determining non-invasively and in vivo at least two of the five blood gas parameters (i.e., pH, [HCO.sub.3.sup.- ], PCO.sub.2, PO.sub.2, and O.sub.2 sat.) in a human.