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: 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 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: 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: A restrictive access device for use on various nectar type bird feeders, which presents an effective physical barrier to the entry of insects, but which is easily penetrated by a bird's bill. The device consisting of a resilient access housing, configured in such a way so as to support, in a normally closed condition, an access insert, which effectively prevents insect entry, but which is easily penetrated by a bird's bill.

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.

Abstract: An alignment device for centering an end of a belt relative to a U-shaped mount of a belt buckle. The inventive device includes a folded web positionable about the U-shaped mount and including upper and lower spacing webs extending between the belt and respectively opposed upper and lower portions of the U-shaped mount to center the belt relative thereto so as to preclude tilting of the belt buckle relative to the belt.

Abstract: An over voltage protector for electronics equipment, such as a computer terminal, which includes first and second electrical connectors and at least one line intersecting these connectors. The protector also includes a ground which is isolated from both the connectors and the line. The line includes a resistor. The line is also connected to the protector ground via an MOV in series with a diode. With this arrangement, when a surge appears on the line the resistance on this line causes the surge to dump to ground. The diode prevents the surge from re-entering the line. The protector also includes apparatus to connect the protector ground to the building's electrical ground. This apparatus includes a grounded power cord (or grounded power cord adapter) for the equipment, a wire connected between the protector ground and the ground line of the power cord, and a capacitor and a diode connected in parallel on the ground line of the power cord for preventing any surge from entering the equipment.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing the sash of a window which includes first and second sash brackets, a drive mechanism, first and second flexible timing belts, structure for connecting the timing belts to the sash brackets and mechanisms for connecting the two timing belts. The structure for connecting the timing belts is adjustable in length to facilitate the tensioning of the belts. Tensioning springs are also included.

Abstract: A rotatable fifth wheel mechanism for use on converter dollies, truck tractors, and permanently attached dollies. The mechanism includes: a fifth wheel supported on a frame for rotation about a vertical axis; and a clutch secured between the fifth wheel and the frame, to control rotation of the fifth wheel relative to the frame. The clutch includes a drum secured to the fifth wheel, friction pad completely surrounding the drum and an inflatable bladder for applying pressure to the friction pad. The fifth wheel mechanism also includes apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the bladder to selectively vary the engagement force between the drum and friction pads. The apparatus for selectively increasing or decreasing pressure includes at least a pair of electrically operated air valves.

Abstract: With the crude instrumentation now in use to continuously monitor the status of the fetus at delivery, the obstetrician and labor room staff not only over-recognize the possibility of fetal distress with the resultant rise in operative deliveries, but at times do not identify fetal distress which may result in preventable fetal neurological harm. The invention, which addresses these two basic problems, comprises a method and apparatus for non-invasive determination of blood oxygen saturation in the fetus. The apparatus includes a multiple frequency light source which is coupled to an optical fiber. The output of the fiber is used to illuminate blood containing tissue of the fetus. In the preferred embodiment, the reflected light is transmitted back to the apparatus where the light intensities are simultaneously detected at multiple frequencies. The resulting spectrum is then analyzed for determination of oxygen saturation.

Abstract: A tool which dispenses a tablet from a blister type package, which package typically has a top blister portion and a bottom portion. The dispenser includes a first member having a flat surface for supporting the bottom portion of the blister package. This support surface has an opening therein which is larger than the table. A second member including a plunger for at least partially crushing the top portion and pushing the tablet through the bottom portion is also provided.

Abstract: Flash tube and lamp monitoring systems. The flash tube intensity monitoring system includes: 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; and electronics, including a microprocessor, for monitoring each of the digital time functions, for flagging those time functions which are below a preselected minimum, and for sending a fault signal when a preselected number of consecutive time functions are below the pre-selected minimum. The monitoring system and flash tube are, preferably, incorporated into single unit for easy installation in the fuselage of an aircraft.

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=.function.(cost, performance).