Abstract: A Powered Lower Bobbin Feed (“PLBF”) system is disclosed for improving the operation of deflector type rotary braiding machines, such as the Wardwell Rapid Braider. The PLBF eliminates or reduces the impulsive tension spikes set up by the deflection and feed process in current rotary braiding machines by uniquely controlling the lower bobbin filament feed. These tension spikes result from: the rapid rotational acceleration and deceleration required of the lower bobbin as a result of the feed process; the lever arm tension control and bobbin ratchet mechanism; and the shape of the filament deflector surface. Such failure limits the operating speed of rotary braiding machines, the minimum size of filament that can be braided effectively, or the ability to maintain the quality of the braid produced. By eliminating or reducing these spikes, the PLBF therefore can increase the working speed of circular braiding machines and improve the uniformity of braided filaments generated by such machines at a given speed.

Abstract: Durable security devices that are resistant to chemical attack and mechanical degradation and security articles employing such devices, are provided. By way of the durable security device of the present invention, opposing longitudinal borders adjacent an information-bearing layer are sealed, thereby preventing corrosive and/or degrading materials from reaching this layer through these sealed borders. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the information-bearing layer is fully encapsulated, thereby rendering this portion or layer and the information conveyed thereby, impervious to chemical attack.

Abstract: A pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD) is disclosed for use in any circulatory support application including RVAD, LAVD, or BIVAD, trans-operative, short-term or long-term, tethered implantable or extracorporeal. In the preferred embodiment, the VAD consists of a soft contoured pump shell and a disposable pumping unit, which includes: a pump sac; an inlet and an outlet (a.k.a. discharge) with one-way valves; and tubing connectors. The valves comprise a cantilevered pair of closely adjacent thin ledges, nicknamed “valve leaflets,” that resemble needle-nose pliers. The valve leaflets permit a one-way flow of blood between them, as an opposite flow pinches the distal ends of leaflets together, thereby closing off the channel between them. This design is specially designed to allow continuous and fluid movement of blood (in one direction) while limiting blood-contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A low smoke, low toxicity fiber optic cable that provides an intermediate surface that facilitates bonding to optical connectors such as LC connectors, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive cable exhibits improved dimensional stability by minimizing or eliminating shrinkage stress on the optic fiber core.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of shielding used in radiation sources, as well as, an improved radiation source (e.g., an x-ray producing device), are provided. The inventive method involves placement of a radiation producing target at the end of a vacuum drift tube and closer to and substantially in the center of a shield for blocking radiation emitted from the radiation producing target.

Abstract: Polyimide resins that are suitable for processing by resin transfer molding (RTM) and resin infusion (RI) methods at reduced processing temperatures are provided. The inventive RTM and RI processable polyimide resins exhibit melting at temperatures of less than about 200° C. and melt viscosities at 200° C. of less than about 3000 centipoise. A process for synthesizing the inventive resins is also provided, as is a fiber-reinforced composite material. The fiber-reinforced composite material employs the inventive polyimide resin as its resin matrix and demonstrates good heat resistance and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A multiple energy x-ray source capable of rapidly generating and delivering x-rays in the form of successive pulses that alternate between at least two different energy levels, as well as a multiple energy x-ray inspection apparatus for inspecting moving objects that employs such a multiple energy x-ray source, are provided. The inventive x-ray source facilitates the use of differential absorption characteristics as a means for distinguishing materials contained within objects during a moving inspection.

Abstract: A versatile book is disclosed for hanging pneumatically actuated devices (e.g., airguns or spray guns). In the preferred embodiment, the versatile hook comprises: a hook body having a base with an annular section that defines a through-space corresponding to the shape of the pneumatic device's cylindrical extension tube or barrel; a hook-shaped extension attached to the body; and, positioning-and-mounting means for selectively positioning the hook, around and along the barrel, and thereafter mounting the body in a temporarily fixed position onto the barrel, with the hook-shaped extension facing towards or away from the discharge nozzle. Upon loosening a bolt, the preferred hook can be reoriented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper product for use in sterilizing an area. The paper product contains at least one paper sheet or pellet containing one or more dry chemical materials, one or more dry deliquescent materials, or mixtures thereof. The dry chemical materials are either inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials or are capable of reacting with another chemical material to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials. When the paper product is placed in an atmosphere containing water vapor, the deliquescent material(s) attracts water and dissolves, thereby either hydrating and rendering active the inactive antimicrobial or biocidal chemical material(s), or providing a medium in which the chemical materials will react to produce one or more active antimicrobial or biocidal chemical materials.

Abstract: A driver for a pneumatic ventricular assist device (VAD) is powered by pressurized air, oxygen or any other gas commonly available in hospital rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms. The driver can provide both blood-ejecting pressure (systole) and blood-filling vacuum (diastole) to the VAD. The driver is controlled by a computer/digital controller by means of pressure and volume sensors, and electromechanical valves. Ventricular pumping is performed by a single spring-loaded piston or bellows. The computer can actively regulate maximum systolic ventricular pressure, maximum diastolic vacuum, cycling rate and/or ejection volume (depending on the operating mode). The driver is also capable of automatically and periodically venting the drive line to eliminate condensation and foul air. The absence of a motor or electrical pump make the device small, reliable, easy to handle, and less expensive.

Abstract: A laminated fluid transfer hose construction having one or more intermediate metal barrier layers is provided, as well as, a hose assembly employing the laminated hose construction and coupling means. The inventive hose construction demonstrates improved barrier properties in the form of improved fluid permeation resistance, as well as improved durability. The hose construction may be convoluted yet still provide exceptional resistance to undesirable buckling, kinking and fatigue with no increase in fluid permeation due to necessary “thinning” of the walls to produce “flex.

Abstract: An aqueous coating formulation for use in preparing ink jet recording materials is provided. The coating formulation, which employs porous pigments and/or metal oxide gels in combination with inorganic pigments (i.e., calcium carbonate and mixtures of calcium carbonate and alumina), has a relatively high binder-to-pigment dry weight ratio. An ink jet recording material prepared using such an aqueous coating formulation is also provided. The ink jet recording material demonstrates good printability and provides images having excellent water and humidity resistance and high image densities. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive recording material further demonstrates good light or fade resistance.

Abstract: Lightweight composite electrical conductors made up of a plastic matrix or plastic core, a plurality of electrical conductors either embedded within the plastic matrix or circumferentially surrounding an outer surface of the plastic core, and at least one insulating layer, as well as, cables incorporating one or more of these conductors, are provided. The inventive composite conductors and cables are particularly useful for automotive and aircraft wire and cable.

Abstract: A process for producing methane and/or high purity hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials as well as a methane and/or high purity hydrogen generation system that operates in accordance with this process, are provided. The inventive system, which is capable of delivering at least 40 slpm of the desired product gas or gases, is completely self-contained, requiring no outside sources of energy, and is made up of fewer components, thereby allowing for a reduced plant footprint, and a more cost-effective source of renewable methane and hydrogen.

Abstract: A device for storing and carrying hole saws comprises a stack pin and a retaining handle removably attachable to the stack pin. The stack pin has a widened “bun” or head at one end and a lateral keyhole slot near its other end. One end of the handle has a key-like element, by which the handle can only be detached from the stack pin when the key is properly aligned with the stack pin's keyhole slot. For use, the handle is detached from the stack pin by first orienting the handle to align the key with the keyhole slot and by then sliding the handle through the keyhole slot. Subsequently, hole saws are nested and stacked onto the stack pin, and the handle is re-attached to the stack pin, preventing the hole saws from being removed from the stack pin.

Abstract: A rapid mounting, “square” electrical outlet or junction box (4? square, 4 11/16? square, 2-gang, etc.) includes a back plate and four upstanding sidewalls attached to the back plate and defining a front opening. One or more of the sidewalls has a number of conduit knockouts, as well as a plurality of cable access ports, which allow entry of AC, MC, NM, or other cables. The sidewalls also have a mounting hole pattern for rapidly mounting the outlet box, by way of any of the sidewalls, to a wood or metal stud. Accordingly, regardless of the box's orientation, conduit and/or electrical cables can always be routed to the box, and conduits that approach the box from any direction can be easily accommodated without bending or rerouting. Among other things, the outlet box may also be provided with external cable clamps, fold-out depth tangs, device connection flanges, and pre-attached ground leads.

Abstract: A security device having multiple security features is used with an item, such as a secure document, ticket, label or tag, to authenticate the item and/or encode data pertaining to the item. One example of the security device includes a carrier substrate, a metallic layer disposed on the carrier substrate, and a magnetic layer disposed on the metallic layer in substantial registration with at least a portion of the metallic layer, thereby providing both metallic security features and magnetic security features. The metallic layer and the magnetic layer also form graphic or visually identifiable indicia on the carrier substrate to provide a visual security feature. According to one method, the metallic layer is applied to the carrier substrate, the magnetic layer is applied to the metallic layer, and the layers are etched to form the graphic indicia. The magnetic layer can, in one embodiment, include a magnetic chemical resist that is printed on the metallic layer in the form of the graphic indicia.