Abstract: The fouling state of a polymeric membrane within the high pressure housing of a spiral wound or a hollow fiber membrane module is determined. An ultra sonic transducer positioned with its emitting face in physical engagement with the outer surface of the housing is pulse energized by a pulser/receiver device. A membrane echo signal is detected by a receiver of the pulser/receiver device. A reference echo signal indicative of a fouled or an unfouled state of the membrane is compared to the echo signal to determine the membrane fouling state. The echo to reference comparing step can be based upon comparing amplitude domain signals, comparing time-domain signals, comparing combinations of amplitude domain and time-domain signals, and comparing transformations of amplitude domain and time-domain signals.

Abstract: A system for collecting sawdust generated by a woodworking implement such as a table saw includes a funnel for directing sawdust from the saw to one end of a first hose, the other end of which communicates with a box-like structure having side and top walls and an open lower end. The interior of the box is divided into first and second compartments by a first portion of a baffle having edge portions positioned in grooves in opposing surfaces of two of the side walls of the box, the other two side walls having openings through which the other end of the first hose and one end of a second hose communicate with the first and second compartments, respectively. The box is affixed to the lid of a container in which the sawdust is collected. The open lower end of the box communicates with the interior of the container through an opening in the lid. The box is affixed to the lid by fasteners extending through strips surrounding the lid opening and through the lid, into the lower edges of the box side walls.

Abstract: A cloud chamber for use with a source of pressurized medication in a MDI system wherein the cloud chamber has a unique one-way inspiratory air and one-way expiratory air valving system which utilizes the same valve body to provide both functions through utilization of different parts of the same valve body for performing the different and mutually exclusive functions. The present invention also provides for the storage of the pressurized medication container within the cloud chamber so that the medication can be conveniently and safely stored when the device in not in use.

Abstract: A method of making and a bellows cold shield wherein only the focused IR energy from the optical system of an IR detector will reach the detector or focal plane array, FPA, and all other radiation will be redirected from reaching the FPA through the use of a bellows cold shield having a predetermined geometrical surface which reflects the undesired light energy away from the FPA, and a microrough interior surface of this geometrical shape which absorbs any of the undesired light energy which is not so reflected away.

Abstract: A crib to be positioned in the corner of a room and which has a crib canopy appearing to be freely floating in the room corner above the crib. The crib includes a storage area with shelves and drawers for maintaining baby necessities close at hand, as well as a receptacle for including a cassette player carried in a position to permit music from the cassette to be directed from the crib. A series of picture holders are positioned along the two side walls of the crib which engage or are supported adjacent the walls of the room, to enable such things as photographs and drawings to be removably displayed therein.

Abstract: An improved incentive spirometer adapted to introduce a flow of oxygen across the inlet for inspiratory air so that the oxygen may be drawn thereinto without requiring any change in the calibration of the device or the monitoring of the patient's usage. The device also features an integral information display receptacle in the base for storage of operational instructions. A portion of the base is transparent to that the information contained in the storage receptacle can be viewed by a patient while the device is in use, thereby permitting a patient to observe such things as the instructions for proper use of the incentive spirometer while using the device. The spirometer structure can be utilized for different patient groupings by changing a venturi plate to present a flow restricting orifice designed to accommodate the respiratory therapy and exercise needs for the particular patient grouping.

Abstract: A lamp especially adapted for use in or on a vehicle, and having an "on-off" switch actuable by movement of the lamp housing to eliminate the necessity of a separate switch component in the illuminating circuit or lamp structure for operating the lamp. The movement of the lamp housing insures that the contacts through which the lamp is illuminated do not become permanently joined, and are cleaned to enhance the operational reliability of the lamp.

Abstract: A device which positions a user in a posture for maintaining all of the lumbar discs in a maximally flexed, relatively low load configuration, as occasioned when in a deep squatting position, while eliminating the lower extremity discomfort experienced by those who have not developed an ability to maintain a deep squatting posture for a prolonged period of time, and a method of lumbar spine therapy.