Abstract: A portable network analyzer and method having multiple channel transmit and receive capability for real-time monitoring of processes which maintains phase integrity, requires low power, is adapted to provide full vector analysis, provides output frequencies of up to 62.5 MHz and provides fine sensitivity frequency resolution. The present invention includes a multi-channel means for transmitting and a multi-channel means for receiving, both in electrical communication with a software means for controlling. The means for controlling is programmed to provide a signal to a system under investigation which steps consecutively over a range of predetermined frequencies. The resulting received signal from the system provides complete time domain response information by executing a frequency transform of the magnitude and phase information acquired at each frequency step.

Abstract: The reversible rachet wrench which includes: a support body having a head portion and a handle support portion having a cylindrically shaped section; a rachet wheel having teeth extending around the perimeter thereof; a pawl member; a pivot member; and a rotatable handle. The pawl member, which is pivotally supported by the head portion, includes a pair of spaced apart teeth engaging members, which are alternatively engagable with the teeth on the rachet wheel. The pivot member, pivotally supported on the support body, includes first and second ends and an intermediate pivot point. The first end includes a means for engaging the coupling means provided on the pawl member. The second end includes a means for engagement with the rotatable handle.

Abstract: A method of producing and using an artists chalk from dry copier toner is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a holder having a cavity for holding the toner, the cavity having a shape which, at least approximately, defines the shape of the finished chalk; and heating the toner at a temperature high enough and for a period long enough to sinter the toner into a chalk. Pressure is not applied to the toner particles. The temperature is in the range of, approximately, 150° F. to 220° F., and the time is in the range of, approximately, 3 to 60 minutes. The holder typically includes a paper tube which forms part of the finished chalk. Typically, the temperature is in the range of 180° F. to 185° F., and the time is in the range of 7 to 11 minutes. For harder chalks higher temperatures and shorter times are used. For softer chalks, lower temperatures and longer times are used.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining if a cornea (whether in vitro or in vivo) has been modified (either surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light a (either coherent or incoherent) through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for determining noninvasively and in vivo one or more unknown values of a known characteristic, particularly the concentration of an analyte in human tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for femtosecond transient absorption comprising phase-sensitive detection, spectral scanning and simultaneous controlling of a translation stage to obtain TA spectra information having at least a sensitivity two orders of magnitude higher than that for single-shot methods, with direct, simultaneous compensation for chirp as the data is acquired. The present invention includes a amplified delay translation stage which generates a splittable frequency-doubled laser signal at a predetermined frequency f, a controllable means for synchronously modulating one of the laser signals at a repetition rate of f/2, applying the laser signals to a material to be sample, and acquiring data from the excited sample while simultaneously controlling the controllable means for synchronously modulating.

Abstract: A method of producing and using an artists chalk from dry copier toner is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a holder having a cavity for holding the toner, the cavity having a shape which, at least approximately, defines the shape of the finished chalk; and heating the toner at a temperature high enough and for a period long enough to sinter the toner into a chalk. Pressure is not applied to the toner particles. The temperature is in the range of, approximately, 150.degree. F. to 220.degree. F., and the time is in the range of, approximately, 3 to 60 minutes. The holder typically includes a paper tube which forms part of the finished chalk. Typically, the temperature is in the range of 180.degree. F. to 185.degree. F., and the time is in the range of 7 to 11 minutes. For harder chalks higher temperatures and shorter times are used. For softer chalks, lower temperature and longer times are used.

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: Methods and apparatus for, preferably, determining noninvasively and in vivo 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: The present invention is a container in the form of a single housing for holding fluid, including a first collapsible reservoir having a first valve. The first reservoir initially contains a volume of fluid. The container also includes a second reservoir, initially empty (or substantially empty), expandable to a second volume. The second reservoir has a second valve. As the volume of said first reservoir decreases, the volume of the second reservoir proportionally increases.

Abstract: Methods for determining invasively and in vivo pH in a human. The 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; measuring the intensities of the wavelengths emerging from the blood 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Methods and apparatus for determining in a biological material one or more unknown values of at least one known characteristic (e.g. the concentration of an analyte such as glucose in blood or the concentration of one or more blood gas parameters) with a model based on a set of samples with known values of the known characteristics and a multivariate algorithm using several wavelength subsets. The method includes selecting multiple wavelength subsets, from the electromagnetic spectral region appropriate for determining the known characteristic, for use by an algorithm wherein the selection of wavelength subsets improves the model's fitness of the determination for the unknown values of the known characteristic. The selection process utilizes multivariate search methods that select both predictive and synergistic wavelengths within the range of wavelengths utilized. The fitness of the wavelength subsets is determined by the fitness function F=f (cost, performance).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for determining noninvasively and in vivo one or more unknown values of a known characteristic, particularly the concentration of an analyte in human tissue.

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.