Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, transporting and dissociating gas hydrates are disclosed. The preferred apparatus includes a mobile tank initially containing liquid water. Compressed hydrate-forming gas is combined in a pipe with the liquid water under locally supercooled conditions. The formed gas hydrate is blown into the mobile tank for transport and eventual consumption.

Abstract: A one-pot method of preparing sulfonic acid-terminated polyisobutylene by sulfonation with acetyl sulfate of living polyisobutylene in a single step. The method permits preparation of sulfonated telechelic polyisobutylenes (STPs) by "inifer" initiated carbocationic polymerization of isobutylene with Lewis acid to form a polymer, followed by the addition in the same reaction vessel of acetyl sulfate at the polymerization temperature or the decomposition temperature of the complex.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lavage valve apparatus and a method of using the valve. The valve comprises a valve body having three apertures and a bypass passageway. A movable valve member with truncated end portions moves linearly within the valve body by means of hydraulic pressure or mechanical (or magnetic) bias. Application of hydraulic pressure via a syringe pumps irrigation fluid through the valve into the patient. Termination of hydraulic pressure allows mechanical re-seating of the movable valve member and vacuum withdrawal of the fluid.

Abstract: A bimodal nuclear power and propulsion system for space is disclosed. Closed cycle heat engines are in operative association with each sector of a sectored reactor core. Heat exchangers employing waste heat, electric power and reactor heat are used to heat propellant to increase Isp. Non-nuclear ground testing of the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of scanning images in a video presentation. The disclosure is particularly directed to the use of such an apparatus and method in stereotactic surgery, wherein acquisition of a plurality of scanner images, conversion of these images into a selected standard format, storage of the acquired and converted images, selective recall and display of at least two of the images, and independent manipulation of each of the images for comparison are provided. Probe placement can be simulated and the images can be enhanced in various ways. The images used can be, for example, CT, PET, X-ray, DSA, isotope, and NMR scans. Brain map atlas images can be superimposed on and fitted to the scan images of a particular brain. Video displays of three dimensional simulations can also be produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paracentesis valve apparatus and method of using the valve. The valve comprises a valve body having three apertures and a bypass passageway. A movable valve member with truncated end portions moves linearly within the valve body by means of hydraulic pressure alone. Application of negative hydraulic pressure via a syringe withdraws fluid from a body cavity through the valve into the syringe. Application of positive hydraulic pressure to the syringe pumps the fluid through the valve into a receptacle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for high pressure drilling are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an essentially solid drill head with horizontally extendable nozzle arms hingedly connected by shear pins thereto. Flow of high pressure fluid both extends the nozzle arms and flows through the nozzle arms, thereby fracturing and shearing material surrounding the drill head. Cessation of fluid flow returns the arms to the vertical position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved automatically actuated motorcycle lift stand. The stand comprises upper and lower stand units on each side of the motorcycle. This configuration enables independent raising of the motorcycle when resting on either side, as well as providing a normal parking function. Also disclosed is an improved linear actuator comprising a plurality of concentric telescoping members. Two embodiments of single groove ball return elements are disclosed.

Abstract: Antibody against stage specific embryonic antigen-1 is radiolabeled by direct means with a radionuclide for use in detection of occult abscess and inflammation. Radiolabeling is accomplished by partial reduction of the disulfide bonds of the antibody using Sn(II), or using other reducing agents followed by the addition of Sn(II), removal of excess reducing agent and reduction by-products, and addition of a specified amount of radionuclide reducing agent, such as stannous tartrate. The resulting product may be store frozen or lyophilized, with radiolabeling accomplished by the addition of the radionuclide.

Abstract: An apparatus for training the overhead service in tennis. The apparatus comprises indicators of a target base area and of correct feet placement, a connecting member between the two indicators, and, optionally, a flexible connecting member between the target base area indicator and a tennis ball.

Abstract: An optimized dose delivery system using computer graphics simulation techniques and computerized numerical optimization. A volume, such as a tumor volume, is graphically simulated and meshed with node points. The dose delivery is calculated depending upon input variables, deriving an objective function related to dose efficacy. A numerical optimization algorithm optimizes the input variables based upon such objective function.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for trace metal testing using mercury-coated screen printed electrodes. Both voltammetric and potentiometric stripping analysis are used. Sample solutions were tested employing both stirring and non-stirring, as well as aeration and deaeration procedures. Microliter samples suitable for slide mounting were also employed.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product for humans and pets is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be blended with the ingredients or may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.

Abstract: A food service facility for drive-up and walk-up patronage, a multi-purpose column, conveyor delivery structures, and menu and order display units. The food service facility comprises base level and second level housings, readily set up and removed from a site.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.

Abstract: A portable electromechanical apparatus for easily and hygienically managing and disposing of pet wastes. The apparatus contains separate solid and liquid waste collectors and containers, located beneath a platform. A waste receiving member is provided upon the platform upon which a pet's solid waste is deposited. Electronic circuitry detects the presence of a pet and judges whether excretion has taken place, whereupon the waste receiving member, bearing the excrement, is moved off the platform and into a solid waste receptacle. A mechanism for automatically opening the solid waste receptacle is provided.

Abstract: Proteins containing one or more disulfide bonds are radiolabeled with radionuclides of technetium or rhenium for use in diagnosis and treatment of a variety of pathologic conditions. Radiolabeling is accomplished by partial reduction of the disulfide bonds of the protein using Sn (II), or using other reducing agents followed by the addition of Sn (II), removal of excess reducing agent and reduction by-products, and addition of a specified amount of pertechnetate or perrhenate reducing agent, such as stannous tartrate, with the addition accomplished in such a manner that further reduction of the protein is limited. The resulting product may be stored frozen or lyophilized, with radiolabeling accomplished by the addition of pertechnetate or perrhenate solution.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for the in vivo tagging of leukocytes, and in particular lymphocytes with a leukostimulatory agent and a linked medically useful metal ion, including a radioisotope, and subsequent detection of leukocyte or lymphocyte trafficking and sites of concentrated leukocytes or lympLICENSE RIGHTSThe U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Small Business Innovative Research Grant No. 1 R43 AR41124 awarded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Department of Health and Human Services.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for preventing needle pricks and for retaining and safely disposing of used needles, such as intravenous needles. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal body, having first and second ends, an entry and closure mechanism on the first end and needle retention means and an aperture on the second end of the longitudinal body. A pulling structure passes through the interior and both ends of the longitudinal body. The pulling structure is attachable to a needle. The other end of the pulling structure may be attached to a syringe or blood-drawing device. A user pulls on the pulling structure to draw the needle into the longitudinal body after use. Needle retention means, such as ribs and protuberances, prevent the needle from moving, once drawn into the longitudinal body. The entry and closure mechanism and needle retention means prevent the needle from exiting the longitudinal body after it becomes disposed within the longitudinal body.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an electrodeposition process utilizing molds of original objects. The molds are placed, preferably horizontally, into the electrodeposition bath. The resulting product utilizes the mold-facing surface as the final surface of the product. The disclosure is also directed to a process for making molds useful for the electrodeposition process of the invention. The process is particularly useful for producing metal reproductions of original artworks.