Abstract: Methods and apparatus for, preferably, determining noninvasively and in vivo at least two of the five blood gas parameters (i.e., pH, PCO.sub.2, [HCO.sub.3.sup.- ], PO.sub.2, and O.sub.2 sat.) in a human. The non-invasive method includes the steps of: generating light at three or more different wavelengths in the range of 500 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 at least two of pH, [HCO.sub.3.sup.- ], PCO.sub.2 and a measure of oxygen concentration. The determined values are within the physiological ranges observed in blood containing tissue. The method also includes the steps of providing calibration samples, determining if the spectral intensities v. wavelengths from the tissue represents an outlier, and determining if any of the calibration samples represents an outlier.

Abstract: A support for a breast prosthesis including a bra cup (of conventional design) which is attached to the perimeter of a cup support member. The cup support member also includes apparatus for positioning the cup from a horizontal surface a distance sufficient to prevent the cup, when holding a prosthesis, from touching such horizontal surface. The positioning apparatus is detachable.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heating and cooling system which includes a load plate, one or more thermoelectric devices and a heat sink. The load plate includes a housing having a hollow cavity filled with a fluid which changes temperature slower than the load plate housing to thereby act as a sustaining phase change reservoir to help maintain the desired temperature on the load plate. Each thermoelectric device is separated from the heat sink by a spacer formed of material having high thermal conductivity. The spacers, in conjunction with material having low thermal conductivity which separates the load plate from the heat sink, forms a spacer duct for the passage of fluid between the load plate and the heat sink and around the spacers. A housing surrounds the exterior surfacer of the heat sink to form a heat sink duct for channeling fluid across the fins provided on the heat sink. The heat sink duct and the spacer duct are interconnected, whereby a single fan can force fluid through both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for twining or weaving. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongated loom fingers and a loom. Each of the loom fingers is elongated, has first and second symmetrical tapered ends, and has an elongated groove running the entire length thereof. The loom includes: a first support that includes at least one plate-like member having a plurality of through holes therein which loosely support the loom fingers in a substantially parallel manner; a second support that has a finger engagement surface which, in the assembled form, is adopted to engage one of the ends of each loom finger being used; and structure for detachably supporting the plate-like member altitudinally with respect to the second support. In operation, to disengage the loom fingers, the plate-like member is moved relative to the second support and, then, the plate-like member is moved toward the end of the loom fingers which had previously been in contact with the finger engagement surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing holographic synthesized information for reflection integral Bragg holograms, free of the limitations of dispersing elements (such as unilateral diffusing screens, conventional lenticular screens and Fresnel lenses), multiple reference beams, mirrorized indexing or other similar materials or techniques. These holograms accurately satisfy Bragg's condition, provide an expanded (and essentially normal) vertical viewing range and can be displayed both flat (in which case the image is behind the film plane) or concave towards the viewer (in which case the image is in front of the film plane). Flat and curved holograms can be combined together. The final holographic images are produced directly from motion picture film, without intermediate transfer prints as required by the prior art. All are front illuminated. By curving the developed hologram for viewing a high definition projection image is obtained.

Abstract: A hand restraining device including a rigid support member and a plurality of straps for securing the hand, fingers and, preferably the wrist and forearm of an individual to such support member. The support member includes a hand, wrist and forearm portions and three finger portions. A rigid knuckle restraining piece is also included to prevent the user from bending his/her knuckles. Except for the wrist strap, each strap is, at one end, secured to an elongated slot provided in the support member which permits lateral positioning of the strap along the length of the support member. The opposite end of each strap is secured to the back surface of the support member by a Velcro fastener or equivalent.

Abstract: This invention is an optical printer that translates and records visual information that can be seen with ambient light in the first generation holographic printing. The invention permits recording of the information to be made into the light sensitive emulsion as a relief. The result is a stereo-optical, multichannel holographic recording of said information. Applications of the invention may include the commercial photography industry, cinematography, medical, passports, drivers' licenses, security entrance control systems, military, point of purchase advertising, publishing and security as well as other uses connected with all relevant existing holographic technology.

Abstract: A game carrying and playing device including a case having a top, bottom, front, back and sides. The top includes a surface for supporting one or more game cards. The sides are of trapezoidal shape so that, when the bottom is positioned on a horizontal surface, the top surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The device also includes a storable, compartmentalized tray or container, and structure on the back of the case for detachably supporting the tray adjacent to the top surface when the case is in the playing position.

Abstract: A warning and safety system for tractor-trailer dump trucks to indicate that the raised trailer is in a precarious position and in danger of tipping over, which system measures the pivot angle or the angle of revolution of the front end of the trailer. When the raised trailer is in an unstable position and begins to tip over, the front end of the trailer pivots on the hydraulic telescoping cylinder extending from the fifth wheel of the trailer. Mounted directly onto to hydraulic telescoping cylinder is an instrument sensitive to angular motion, or, alternatively, mounted on the fifth wheel of the tractor is a pivoting canister containing that instrument, from which a cable extends, parallel to the hydraulic telescoping cylinder, to the bottom of the front end of the trailer, where the cable engages with a pulley arrangement securely mounted on the cylinder well of the trailer.

Abstract: A lock ring prevents inadvertent rotation of a rotatable focusing eyepiece for an optical instrument. The ring is disposed on the device and is fixed against rotation. A face is provided on the ring which is adapted to frictionally engage the eyepiece to prevent inadvertent rotation thereof. The ring is movable or deformable to disengage the face from the eyepiece for focusing.

Abstract: A binocular with a focusing/locking knob having a pair of essentially flat paddle platforms which are easily contacted by the fingertips of a user. The paddle platforms being independently pivoted on the knob and having means for preventing rotational motion for locking the knob. The means for preventing rotation being engaged by pivoting the paddle platforms in one direction and disengaged by pivoting the paddle platforms in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dual purpose sunglass lens having a gold appearance, as well as the lens itself, is described wherein a photochromic lens is coated on its front and rear surfaces with a titanium monoxide material. An antireflection substance is overlyed onto the titanium monoxide deposited on the rear surface. The sunglass lens has a transmittance of approximately 10% at 20.degree. C. and a transmittance of approximately 5% at 0.degree. C. in bright sunlight.

Abstract: A telescope control system is set forth for controlling the orientation of a telescope under control of a microprocessor. The telescope control includes drives to pivot the telescope about each of the declination (altitude) and right ascension (azimuth) axes in stepped increments, each increment corresponding to a control pulse. The microprocessor generates and issues the control pulses from stored data to position the telescope for viewing a selected celestial object. Control pulses are based upon and counted from an index position and/or the preceding position of the telescope. Manual override is provided, the microprocessor accounting for pulses generated during manual override.

Abstract: A sustained-release polymeric hydrogel dosage form useful for topical, systemic or transdermal administration of a medicinal agent comprising a cross-linked, polymerized hydrophilic polymer, an amino acid polymer, a cross-linking agent, an optional hydrophobic polymer and said medicinal agent in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: Inclusion of carbonyl modified amino acid monomers in polymeric compositions for biomedical applications, including contact lenses, increases the water content and oxygen permeability of the polymer without significant changes in other desirable properties of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleansing composition comprising a particulate hydrophilic polymer or copolymer or mixture thereof and methods for cleaning various articles including contact lenses using the composition disclosed herein.