Abstract: The present invention provides a joint for transferring load from the underframe of a locomotive to the cant rail of its car body. The joint includes a base connected to the underframe of the locomotive with a body portion attached thereto. This body portion carries a generally diagonally situated member connected to the cant rail of the car body of the locomotive, such that the load from the underframe is transferred to the base of the joint, through the body portion of the joint, to the diagonally situated member and to the cant rail during bending of the underframe of the locomotive. In another aspect of the present invention, a joint is provided which is generally flexible to accommodate bending of the car body and underframe of the locomotive relative to their respective stiffnesses.

Abstract: A method for diffusing titanium and nitride into a base material having a coating thereon using conventional surface treatments or coatings. The method generally includes the steps of providing a base material having a coating thereon; providing a salt bath which includes sodium dioxide and a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanate and potassium cyanate; dispersing metallic titanium formed by electrolysis of a titanium compound in the bath; heating the salt bath to a temperature ranging from about 430° C. to about 670° C.; and soaking the base material in the salt bath for a time of from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, titanium and nitride may be diffused into a base material without a coating. The treated base material may further be treated with conventional surface treatments or coatings.

Abstract: A capacitor test apparatus for checking the capacitance of a capacitor without removing the capacitor from the circuit. Selection of the designated capacitance of the capacitor by means of a user-actuated selector switch automatically selects a test signal frequency such that the reactance of the capacitor matches a reference impedance. A indicator circuit compares the actual reactance with the reference impedance to indicate the deviation of the test capacitor from its designated capacitance. The test signal is a low level sine wave which does not exceed the conduction threshold of semiconductor junctions associated with the capacitor. A user-actuated switch is provided for discharging any charge present on the capacitor prior to testing.

Abstract: A terminal for use in a multi-point video conference system that includes a plurality of terminals connected to each other via a network, the terminal includes a compressor for packetizing video data inputted from a video camera, and outputting packetized data to the network. A decompressor receives a plurality of packets transmitted from other terminals via the network in a time sharing manner, and decompresses the received packets in an order of reception. The decompressor outputs decompressed video information. A plurality of storage elements store the decompressed video information in a frame unit. The contents stored in the storage elements are displayed on a display. A switch changes over the contents of the storage elements to supply the display.

Abstract: A system by which contaminants from and below the surface of contact lenses may be electrokinetically removed. The system includes a protective encasement packet in which a lens is safely protected upon its removal from the eye, through the cleaning procedure, and until the lens is returned to the eye. The system includes also a cleaning assembly in which the lens as encased within the packet is decontaminated. The cleaning assembly includes surfaces positionable to contact the packet and from which electrical charges are transmitted to the lens. Under the influence of the electrical charges, contaminants are drawn off of and from below the surface of the lens.

Abstract: A fluid processing system includes an integral flow control and distribution manifold for establishing fluid communication between conduit segments of the system. In use, the fluid manifold is received in an actuator head of an associated processor apparatus, wherein valving elements selectively crimp valving passageways in the manifold to perform the procedure. The fluid circuit of the system accommodates multiple procedures, obviating the need to stock multiple systems and enabling manufacturing economics to be realized from higher production volumes.

Abstract: A single needle batch-type blood fractionation system for separating plasma from whole blood includes a disposable flow system having a single-lumen phlebotomy needle and associated donor conduit, a flow-through plasma separation filter, and an in-process fluid reservoir. During an initial draw cycle whole blood is pumped through the filter to the in-process reservoir by a peristaltic-type inlet pump operating at a predetermined draw rate. When a predetermined volume of filtered plasma-deficient blood has been collected in the reservoir, as sensed by the weight of the reservoir, the system reverts to a return cycle wherein a portion of the plasma-deficient blood in the reservoir is pumped back to the donor conduit by a peristaltic-type return pump operating at a predetermined return rate higher than the draw rate of the inlet pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting plasma from whole blood includes a ratio control system which enables replacement fluid to be added by a replacement fluid pump within the apparatus to processed plasma-deficient blood at a predetermined ratio to the volume of plasma collected in a collection container. A transducer within the system develops an electrical signal frequency-dependent on the weight of the collected plasma. This signal is applied through a first rate multiplier circuit to the up-count input of a bidirectional counter. A second signal derived from a tachometer on the replacement fluid pump is supplied through a second rate multiplier circuit to the down-count input of the counter. A digital-to-analog converter converts the count in the counter to an analog control signal which controls the operation of the replacement pump motor. The multiplication factors of the rate multipliers are set by a user-operated switch to obtain a desired replacement ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous flow fractionation of whole blood incorporates motor driven whole blood, anti-coagulant and replacement pumps, negative and positive pressure monitors, and a dual bubble detector which function in conjunction with a disposable single-use flow system and a hollow fiber filter to separate and collect plasma from whole blood. Operation of the pump motors, pressure monitors and bubble detector is controlled by a control circuit within the apparatus to provide one of several operator-selected operating modes, including run, prime and reinfuse modes. The control circuit provides an alarm which can be cancelled by the operator when certain system parameters fall outside of normal operating limits, and interrupts operation of the pumps when the parameters exceed maximum limits. A failsafe circuit independent of the control circuits interrupts power to the pump motors in the event the motors do not stop upon detection of a bubble or fluid absence in the flow system.

Abstract: A pressure cuff draw mode enhancement system for a blood fractionation system having a single-lumen phlebotomy needle, a flow-through plasma separation filter, and an in-process fluid reservoir, includes a pressure cuff in operative association with the donor. During an initial draw cycle of the system whole blood is pumped by an inlet pump through the filter to the in-process reservoir. When a predetermined volume of filtered plasma-deficient blood has been collected in the reservoir, as sensed by the weight of the reservoir, the system reverts to a return cycle wherein a portion of the plasma-deficient blood in the reservoir is pumped back to the phlebotomy needle by a return pump. Depending on the relative operating rates of the inlet and return pumps, an operator-controllable portion of the plasma-deficient blood from the in-process reservoir is returned to the donor through the phlebotomy needle, and the remaining portion is recirculated through the filter.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring trans-membrane pressure in plasmapheresis apparatus utilizing a microporous membrane type filter includes first and second pressure-to-frequency transducer circuits for developing signals frequency-indicative of the inlet and outlet pressures of the filter. The signals are digitally compared in a pulse subtraction circuit to produce an output signal frequency-indicative of trans-membrane pressure. The output signal is applied to a periodically reset display counter to develop a digital readout of trans-membrane pressure. Porous filter elements in the flow system and in the inlet port of each transducer isolate bacteria within the flow system, prevent contamination of the transducers, and provide a time constant for each transducer which prevents transient flow variations in the system from causing erroneous trans-membrane pressure readings.

Abstract: An implantable microinfusion pump system for dispensing medication at a prescribed infusion rate within the human body includes a hermetically sealed housing in which a power source and circuitry for actuating the pump are contained. A permanently magnetized piston is mounted for reciprocative fill and pump strokes within a pump chamber defined by a pump body member which extends between parallel-spaced walls of the housing. The body member communicates at one end with an expandable medicament reservoir adjacent one wall of the housing, and at the other end with a catheter for conveying medicament to the body. A two stage valve arrangement causes medicament to enter the pump chamber during fill strokes of short duration and to be dispensed from the pump chamber at the prescribed infusion rate during longer duration pump strokes.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting plasma from whole blood includes a collection rate monitoring system which provides a digital display of the rate of plasma collection per minute. A transducer circuit within the system develops an electrical signal frequency-dependent on the weight of the collected plasma. The frequency of this signal over a present measurement interval is periodically compared with the frequency of the signal over a preceding measurement interval to develop a signal indicative of the volume of plasma collected during the interval. This signal is combined in a shift register with signals developed over a plurality of immediately preceding measurement intervals, which, taken with the present interval, comprise a one minute period, to develop at the end of each interval an output signal indicative of the total units of plasma collected over the previous minute.

Abstract: A runway collision avoidance system having warning devices is provided for the safety of aircraft taxiing, taking off, and landing. The system is capable of detecting ground traffic and obstacles including aircraft, maintenance vehicles and wildlife that may encroach upon an active runway during low visibility conditions or when visual observation is impaired. The system includes an electromagnetic transmitter positioned beyond one end of a runway which directs a continuous beam of high frequency radio signals, for example microwaves, longitudinally along the full length of the runway. A plurality of electromagnetic receivers positioned beyond the other end of the runway pick up the transmitted signals and apply them to a balance circuit and then to a comparator circuit. With a clear runway, the transmitted signals are received without interruption and the receiver outputs remain balanced or equal.

Abstract: A disposable prepackaged fluid processing module includes an integral housing wherein fluid containers, tubing segments, and other components required in processing a fluid are contained. Fluid communication between the containers, components and tubing segments is provided by a fluid circuit formed by a panel of the housing, and an overlying fluid-impermeable flexible sheet member. The fluid circuit includes pump and valve elements which operate in response to pressures applied to the sheet member. Upon installation of the system in a related actuator apparatus pneumatic actuator ports apply pressures to the pump and valve elements to circulate fluid through the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A fluid processing apparatus for use in conjunction with a prepackaged disposable fluid processing module of the type which includes an integral housing wherein fluid containers, tubing segments, and other components required in processing a fluid are contained, and wherein fluid communication between the containers, components and tubing segments is provided by a fluid circuit formed within the housing by a first relatively inflexible fluid-impervious sheet member and a second relatively flexible fluid-impermeable sheet member. The fluid circuit includes pump and valve elements which operate in response to pressures applied to the second sheet member. Upon installation of the system in the processing apparatus pneumatic actuator ports apply pressures to the second sheet member through access apertures in the housing to circulate fluid through the fluid circuit.

Abstract: A fluid processing apparatus for use in conjunction with a disposable fluid processing module of the type which includes an integral housing wherein fluid containers, tubing segments, and other components required in processing a fluid are contained, and wherein fluid communication between the containers, components and tubing segments is provided by a fluid circuit formed by a panel of the housing, and an overlying fluid-impermeable flexible sheet member. The processing apparatus includes an actuator station for receiving the module housing, and pneumatic actuator ports which apply pressures to pump and valve elements in the fluid circuit to circulate fluid through the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and collecting plasma from whole blood includes a volume monitoring system which provides a continuous display of the volume of plasma collected. A transducer circuit within the system develops an electrical signal frequency-dependent on the weight of the collected plasma. The frequency of this signal over a present measurement interval is periodically compared with the frequency of the signal over a preceding measurement interval to develop a difference signal. If the difference is determined to be positive and less than a predetermined maximum collection rate so as to constitute a valid collection increment, the difference is cumulatively added to previous collection increments in a cumulative display counter to provide a collected volume display, and the frequency of the present measurement interval is taken as a frequency of the preceding measurement interval for the next comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous flow fractionation of whole blood incorporates motor driven whole blood, anticoagulant and replacement pumps, negative and positive pressure monitors, and a dual bubble detector which function in conjunction with a disposable single-use flow system and a hollow fiber filter to separate and collect plasma from whole blood. Operation of the pump motors, pressure monitors and bubble detector is controlled by a control circuit within the apparatus to provide one of several operator-selected operating modes, including run, prime and reinfuse modes. The control circuit provides an alarm which can be cancelled by the operator when certain system parameters fall outside of normal operating limits, and interrupts operation of the pumps when the parameters exceed maximum limits. A failsafe circuit independent of the control circuits interrupts power to the pump motors in the event the motors do not stop upon detection of a bubble or fluid absence in the flow system.

Abstract: Metering apparatus for metering the flow of fluid through an administration set includes a peristaltic-type metering pump which repeatedly and progressively compresses a section of vinyl tubing of the administration set to provide a desired flow rate. For improved metering accuracy the fluid is maintained under pressure downline of the metering pump by a downline occlusion station. A protective circuit responsive to the pressure in the tubing downline of the occlusion station stops the metering apparatus and sounds an alarm in the event the pressure in the tubing exceeds a predetermined level, as in the event of an occlusion, downline of the metering apparatus and upline of the patent.