Abstract: A mobile cart for carrying units and communicating with a computer by radio frequency, the cart including a frame, shelves mounted on the frame and adapted to carry units, a terminal associated with the frame which communicates with the computer for receiving data regarding the location and placement of the units on the shelves, displays associated with the shelves and communicating with the terminal, and a scanner communicating with the terminal for scanning location identifiers and/or units.

Abstract: A rechargeable power pack is shaped and dimensioned to be inserted in the battery compartment of an electrical device. The top of the power pack is exactly symmetrical with the battery compartment cover which it replaces. The power pack houses rechargeable power cells, and has a peripheral wall spaced apart from the sides of the battery compartment mounting the battery contact terminal. Flexible prongs project from the peripheral walls to provide a wiping contact with either a spiral spring negative terminal or a stationary positive terminal of the compartment. A top mounted connector allows recharging of the power pack even while in use on the electrical device. Baffles mounted astride each flexible prong avert damage to the prong during insertion of the power pack into the battery compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemical sensor and biosensor probes for measuring low concentration of metals and metal ions in complex samples such as biological fluids, living cells, and environmental samples. More particularly the present invention relates to a gel-based Indo-1 and Fura-2 chemical sensor probes for the measurement of low concentrations of calcium, cadmium, magnesium and the like. Also disclosed is a detector device using the sensors of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the permeation of hazardous or toxic chemicals through protective clothing are disclosed. The hazardous or toxic chemicals of interest do not possess the spectral characteristic of luminescence. The apparatus and methods utilize a spectrochemical modification technique to detect the luminescence quenching of an indicator compound which upon permeation of the chemical through the protective clothing, the indicator is exposed to the chemical, thus indicating chemical permeation.

Abstract: A scroll displaying mechanism suitable for use in moving advertising displays, chart recorders and tape readers uses a pair of D.C. motors wired to operate under slightly different speed-controlling voltages in order to maintain the displayed part of the scroll between two rollers taut. A simple belt and pulley drive mechanism for each roller assures quiet and vibration-free operation. The viewing time between frame-advance and the scroll direction reversal are controlled by detection of different length markers positioned along one edge of the scroll. Also disclosed is a simple, easily assembled and disassembled display apparatus which allows both vertical and horizontal adjustment of the size of the viewing window frame.

Abstract: In a portable container having a receptacle adapted to receive liquid, the receptacle having an opening on the upper surface of the container for both receiving and discharging liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the portable container also has a second set of receptacles adapted to receive powders, each receptacle extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the container, having an opening on the lower surface for receiving the powders and an opening on the upper surface for discharging the powders.

Abstract: In a device for activating the release of pressurized gas through a passage, including: valve disposed within said passage, said valve having an inlet and an outlet, said valve moveable between an open position to permit communication of said gas with said passage, and said inlet and outlet, and a closed position to stop communication of said gas between said inlet and outlet; a piston associated with said valve for moving said valve between said open and closed position; a support associated with said piston for slidably supporting said piston between said open and closed positions.

Abstract: A runner for a shipping pallet is described which includes a sheet of paperboard folded to present spaced apart top and bottom walls, a pair of side walls and a central web running parallel to and between those side walls. The central web extends from the top wall to the bottom wall. The top wall and central web have cutout slots to receive braces made of paperboard. Each brace is formed from a multiply folded paperboard blank that has been slotted to form a block which mates with the central web of the runner when the block is inserted into one of the slots. Paperboard pallets are also described in which these runners are used in co-operation with paperboard decking sheets which may also have cut-outs to mate with the runners.

Abstract: A method of eluting trinitrotoluene (TNT) from soil using a dispersant from bacterial intra-amoebic isolate 1s, ATCC 75229.

Abstract: A flexible fin for surfboards, sailboards and other watercraft comprises a thin core sheet made of laminated fiberglass sandwiched between two slabs of closed-cell polyurethane foam. The flexible fin provides for sharper turns while increasing the buoyancy of the craft.

Abstract: A process of forming a sintered article of powder metal comprising: selecting elemental iron powder; determining the desired properties of said sintered article and selecting, a quantity of carbon, and ferro alloy from the group of ferro manganese, ferro chromium, ferro molybdenum, ferro vanadium, ferro silicon and ferro boron; grinding said ferro alloy to a mean particle size of approximately 8 to 12 microns; introducing a lubricant while blending the carbon, ferro alloy, with said elemental iron powder; pressing the mixture to form the article; and then high temperature sintering the article at a temperature between 1,250.degree. C. and 1,350.degree. C. in a neutral or reducing atmosphere; so as to produce the sintered article of powdered metal; and includes the product formed thereby.

Abstract: A light-duty, multi-purpose lubricant particularly formulated for use on the diverse bearing surfaces of a bicycle chain and other similar low-speed and low-temperature mechanisms operating in a dusty environment. The lubricant comprises an insoluble soap, preferably Calcium Stearate in suspension in a volatile solvent-based solution of paraffin wax and Petrolatum. After application and evaporation of the solvent the composite dry lubricant exhibits good penetration and load bearing properties without the dirt-retaining character of greases. The undissolved particles of soap combine with dirt particles to break-down portions of the lubricant into a dry flaky dust which is sloughed off the mechanism.

Abstract: A phantom cornea for calibrating surgical lasers is formed by superimposition of thin-films of alternating colors. After ablation by a laser beam, the resulting spherical cavity appears as a pattern of nested circles whose concentricity and spacing reflect the alignment and intensity of the laser beam. These patterns can be visually or instrumentally analyzed to determine the proper setting of the laser. A monolayer or multi-layer thin film is used to determine, not only the ablative power of a laser beam, but also the variation of the ablative power over the full breadth of the beam by observing the area impinged by the beam between successive laser pulses. The calibration cornea can be planar, or arcuate to mimic the natural cornea. The calibration cornea may be mounted in a phantom eyeball including a removable iris of small diameter which constitutes a convenient target for the alignment of the laser beam.

Abstract: A new and useful contraceptive and prophylactic attachment having a dome shaped bowl which conforms to the shape of a portion of the penile glans surrounding the urethral orifice. The bowl has an aperture overlying the orifice which leads into a collapsed bladder contained within a protective retaining structure. During ejaculation, semen flows through the aperture into the bladder expanding it and causing it to extrude itself through an expandable outlet in the retaining structure. As a penile cap or micro-condom, the shape of the bowl and a layer of medical grade adhesive forms a leak-free seal between the attachment and the penis. The sensitive corona of the glans is left exposed.

Abstract: A self-adapting interface assembly on a data processor allows communication with a variety of other data processing devices operating under different communication protocols. The assembly comprises an input and output signal translating module installed between the data processor input/output port and a cable terminated by simple adaptor modules for coupling to various types of data processing devices. The adaptor can sense the type of device and send to the translating module an identifying bit stream. The translating module uses the device identification to programmatically change the configuration of data receivers and drivers and control signal buffers in order to assure exchange of data between the data processor and the device connected to the adaptor module regardless of their respective electrical interface characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a user's knee or other joint which comprises two generally semi-cylindrical rigid members each having semi-hemispherical overlapping portions and hingedly connected to allow a movement of the joint. Additional features of the protector include a replaceable inner pad, easily releasable and reusable hinges which provide the only attachment means for inner padding of the protector, replaceable outer attachment strips which may be made of varying materials which provide different adhesion properties, slightly elastic straps, and an attachment clip which adjustably attaches to one end of a strap and securely and releaseably attaches to a buckle located on a side edge of the rigid semi-cylindrical member.