Abstract: A method of on-site refueling, i.e., delivering petroleum and similar products from a tank truck into customer vehicles or other tanks at a customer's site, that ensures the accurate delivery of products in accordance with the instructions on a series of delivery lists. The method of delivery includes the use of a probe having digital memory and capable of comparing input signals from passive electronic tags with stored data and the use of a truck on-board computer able to read the truck's accumulating gallonage meters, and able to set relay contacts to directly control the refueling of vehicles identified as critical vehicles. Each use of the probe in reading a tag is recorded in the probe stored in its memory, and later downloaded into the on-board computer used to calculate the gallons and identify the product delivered into each customer tank.

Abstract: A prosthetic article for surgical implantation within the body of a host in a surgical stapling procedure comprises a strip of host-tissue-compatible animal tissue material that is initially removably affixed between the spaced-apart legs a U-shaped buttress member to create a tubular configuration that can readily slip over the jaws of a conventional surgical stapler. When the staple gun is fired, the staples penetrate through the strips of animal tissue and the host tissue and thus serve to reinforce the staple line. Because the buttress member is releasibly attached to the strip of animal tissue, the buttress member can be readily separated and discarded following the firing of a staple gun.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating removal of a light holder assembly from the interior of a miniature model building comprises an elongated rigid wire having an integrally-formed, U-shaped hook member disposed at its distal end and projecting at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the wire. The other end of the wire is secured to a handle member. The spacing between the legs of the hook is such that the hook can be made to engage the inwardly extending notches on the lamp holder's leaf spring members, allowing sufficient tension to be placed on the leaf spring member to compress it to the point where the light holder assembly can be extracted through the opening in the building's wall.

Abstract: A heat energy transfer system including a refrigeration loop with a heat transfer engine connected in series with a condenser, a thermal expansion valve and an evaporator has associated with the evaporator a heat exchanger that is coupled in circuit with a container of water or other-suitable heat transfer fluid. The warmer fluid proximate the top of the container is drawn off and fed through the heat exchanger and returned to the bottom of the container. The thus chilled fluid can be pumped to utilization devices again with the colder fluid at the bottom of the buffer or container being pumped to the utilization device and returned, after warming, to the top of the container. An auxiliary closed exchange loop may also be incorporated to supply heat energy needs to the evaporator of the refrigeration loop in the event that the cold buffer contents are chilled to the point where insufficient heat energy is contained in it to provide evaporization of the refrigerant before being fed to the heat transfer engine.

Abstract: An adapter for interfacing a bipolar electrosurgical instrument to a monopolar electrosurgical generator comprises a pair of connectors, one having a single monopolar contact and the other having a pair of bipolar contacts is disposed between the active output terminal of the monopolar electrosurgical generator and the bipolar electrosurgical instrument. The adapter is configured to electrically connect the bipolar contacts at one end of the adapter in common with the monopolar contact at the other end. In accordance with a further embodiment, an electrical switch is provided on the electrosurgical instrument to selectively connecting both electrodes of the bipolar electrosurgical instrument to a single monopolar contact design to make with the monopolar electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a propellant for electrothermal-chemical guns comprising a dispersion of one or more energetic solids in an energetic liquid phase. The energetic solid is preferably a nitramine such as cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and the energetic liquid component is preferably a homogeneous liquid that is either aqueous or non-aqueous. Aqueous liquid phases suitable for use in the present invention include concentrated solutions containing at least one nitrate salt. Non-aqueous liquid phases suitable for use include those that contain nitrate ester, nitramine, nitro or azido compounds or mixtures thereof.These propellants provide a high level of energy density because of the use of energetic ingredients and the high loading density allowed with a liquid propellant. The presence of a dispersed solid phase within the continuous liquid phase also permits control of the burning behavior of the propellant by variation of the interfacial area between phases.

Abstract: A security system for protecting a vehicle and its contents including a protective cover having conductors threaded through a hollow seam and electrically connected to a two member electrical connector. Each conductor is connected to a sensing circuit configured to detect an open circuit condition in the conductor-connector loop. In use, the loop is pulled taut around the protected vehicle and secured by a tensioning system while the electrical connector is held together by a temporary restraint system. The loop tension is adjusted and the temporary restraint is released subjecting the connector to the adjusted tension in the conductor. In this state, the security system is ready to detect movement of the protective cover or an open circuit condition.

Abstract: An improved micro-implantation method and composition for filling depressed scars, unsymmetrical orbital floors, muscle, lip, and other soft tissue defects is provided for use in reconstructive surgery procedures. Textured micro particles having an outside diameter between about 30 microns and 3000 microns are used with an appropriate physiologic vehicle cannula and syringe and/or pressure delivery system into a predetermined locus. The particles provide long-term filling of defects without migration loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compression device for selectively applying compressive force to a localized area of interest on the surface of a body that is readily positioned and fastened in place. The device includes a resilient compressible element positioned on a relatively rigid member associated with a clamping frame that at least partially surrounds a limb or other body area of interest. An adjustable closure means is provided for adjustably completing the clamp arrangement to completely enclose said bodily region of interest in a manner that enables the compressible element to be applied to the precise site of interest. The adjustable closure element permits accommodating bodily parts such as limbs of various size and facilitates adjustment of the compressive pressure applied. The device may take a variety of embodiment forms.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic windshield wiper control system which responds to sensed moisture in a manner which is responsive to changes in conditions, yet subjectively smooth. Moisture and noise sensitive signals from a sensor are digitized, and a functional block detects the reversals of the moisture sensing signal towards a quiescent level. These reversals are considered rain events and a method is disclosed for producing an ongoing measure of the frequency of these events. The resulting signal is representative of the flow rate of the raindrops impinging upon the moisture sensor. Another functional block with a logarithmic characteristic converts this quantity into an intensity value, in a manner which mimics human perception. A multiple time-constant averaging means maintains a value representative of the long-range prevailing conditions under which the device is operating.

Abstract: An urethral drain having deep external drainage channels, a low-profiled bladder retention segment, and a reversibly detachable collection segment, facilitates the draining of urine and fluids from the bladder. The low-profiled retention means minimizes bladder irritations and the deep external channels reduce the occurrence of infections. Incorporation of a reduced diameter smooth segment on the catheter, proximate the location of the external urethral sphincter allows the patient to void normally and at will. The drain can be worn concealed within the urethra. Flushing action from normal voiding washes out particulate matters in the urethra and the concealed drain further minimizes contamination. Together, these features improve quality of life for patients needing catheterization.

Abstract: A special effects carrier for use in a photographic camera for taking portraits of individuals or groups. The wheel-shaped special effects carrier contains masks which produce various special effects. One of the masks included on the carrier produces no special effects so that the carrier can be used whether or not a special effect is desired. The carrier is located a fixed distance behind the objective element of the zoom lens so that the photographer is able to focus the camera without having to compensate for the changing focal length of the zoom lens. The carrier is connected to a CPU which drives a motor to rotate the carrier. An optical sensor reads bar codes on the carrier and relays information to the CPU thereby allowing the CPU to position the masks for use and freeing the photographer of that task.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus for receiving, engaging and releasing exchangeable chassis or sub-frame mounted containers, which may be truck bodies, or the like, capable of readily locking and unlocking a truck body or sub-frame to a supporting chassis is disclosed that is self-contained on the chassis. A truck body or container which may be self-supporting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A replaceable wear shoe is used with a refuse truck ejector mechanism supported by load bearing slide bars which slide along spaced parallel rails. The wear shoe body is C-section shape with an outer surface configured to preferentially ride the rail of the refuse truck and support the ejector mechanism. The inner surface of the wear shoe body forms a channel for receiving a recessed portion of the slide bar. The wear shoe body covers the portion of the slide bar which contacts the rail. Retaining means in the form of plates are used to secure the wear shoe body to the slide bars.

Abstract: A support aid permitting an individual with a weak wrist and hand to hold an object. The aid helps achieve a fist-like grasp about an object, without increasing pain. A sufficiently wide wrist band is provided to support a weakened wrist, wherein a gripping band extends therefrom to wrap about one's hand to form a fist and secures to the opposing side thereof. The gripping aid can be implemented by one hand, whereby the user may have restricted use of the hand and wrist. Loops and rings are implemented to help one grasp and adjust the straps while adapting the gripping aid to one's hand. Utensils and equipment, such as pencils and golf clubs, can then be securely grasped and utilized.

Abstract: A cardiac arrhythmia mapping and ablation catheter has a main catheter that is provided with a loop-shaped mapping and ablation system attached to its distal end in which the loop is optionally adjustable or of relatively fixed shape resumable upon deployment. The loop carries an electrode array including a plurality of separately operable recording (mapping)/ablation electrodes in conductive relation to the external environment and arranged in spaced serial relation along the loop. Insulated conductors connect the electrodes electrically with input/output devices outside the catheter for mapping the electrical activity of the chamber wall contacted and ablating tissue as indicated. A distal extension or guide member may optionally be provided to adapt the loop specifically to addressing the tricuspid annulus or other desired location.

Abstract: A ridged, transparent, thermoplastic package for transporting disk products such as wafers, semi-conductor wafers or computer memory disks is disclosed. Elastomeric or flexible thermoplastic cushions hold the disk products in a manner which precludes them from becoming damaged during normal shipping and handling. The cushions have a plurality of disk engaging members which individually engage a disk. The disk engaging member conforms to the edge profile of the substrate wafer to securely hold the wafer. Wafer rotation is eliminated, particle generation is reduced and the cushions securely hold the disk products.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system in which a liquid chemical foamant is introduced into the water stream in varying amounts so as to maintain a predetermined percentage mixture irrespective of variations in the water flow includes a motor-driven pump where the motor is controlled over a first speed range by pulse width modulating the drive to the motor and over a second speed range, producing intermittent motion, by burst width modulating the drive signal when it is operating at its minimum pulse width modulated duty cycle. Using this technique the range of available motor speeds is extended well beyond that which can be achieved using pulse width modulation of the motor drive signal alone.