Abstract: A die casting apparatus comprises a pair of mold assemblies which include molding surfaces cooperating to define a first mold cavity therebetween for casting a first portion of a cast object in the first mold cavity. One of the mold assemblies comprises a fixed mold core, and a movable mold core movable with respect to the fixed mold core along a core axis between a closed position and an open position. The mold cores include casting surfaces disposed such that in the closed position the casting surfaces cooperate to define a second mold cavity therebetween extending transversely to the core axis and in communication with the first mold cavity for casting a remaining portion of the object integral with the first portion, while in the released position the object is substantially released from the one mold assembly.

Abstract: A static transfer switch for reducing ferroresonance in a load consisting of a first switch for connecting and disconnecting a primary power source to and from the load, and a second switch for connecting and disconnecting a secondary power source to and from the load. Each switch includes a snubber circuit connected across the respective switch. An attenuator, consisting of a resistor in series with a capacitor, is connected between the first and second switches and ground and suppresses series ferroresonance at the load by reducing the voltage applied to the load when both the first and second switches are open and power is applied to or removed from the load.

Abstract: A variable-ratio gear assembly comprising an input shaft, an output shaft, and at least two intercoupled independently-variable coplanar reverted gear train loops coupled to the input and output shaft. Each coplanar reverted gear train loop comprises a torque input member, a torque output member and a reactive member. A clutch is coupled to the coplanar reverted gear train loops for independently switching at least two of the members from coupling to one of the casing of the gear assembly, the input shaft and the output shaft to coupling to another of the casing, the input shaft and the output shaft for varying the velocity ratio of the coplanar reverted gear train loops.

Abstract: The present invention permits a dual mode use of a display screen of which in one mode the display screen is accessible and in the second mode has placed in front of the display screen videoconferencing eye contact components. The invention utilizes a uniquely hinged folded eye contact component apparatus which permits in the major embodiment of the present invention all of the eye contact components including the partially silvered mirror to fold with more than a one-half rotational turn entirely over to the back side of the flat panel display completely out of view. The folded eye contact components are attachable to existing flat panel displays and also are illustrated built in as a part of the flat panel housing. The same hinged folding function is also demonstrated as being suspended separate from the monitor so that no attaching to the display is required.

Abstract: An improved backboard contains hollow channels or "tunnels" embedded in the board and accessible from the edges and lower surface of the board. Such channels are preferably integral to the device and do not lessen the strength of the board. Patient straps and restraining devices are conveniently stored within the channels in a more or less fully elongated state so that they can be quickly retrieved for restraining a patient. Because the straps are stretched out as opposed to rolled or otherwise packaged, they can be quickly deployed with a minimum of twisting or tangling.

Abstract: Mixtures of iodine source resin with iodine capture resin have been found to provide effective disinfecting of protein containing solutions such as plasma. These mixtures can be used in a chromatographic manner to effectively disinfect solutions while causing minimal damage to labile proteins such as clotting factors. Mixed resins containing equivalent amount of iodine source and iodine capture (50:50) are effective in many cases. If protein damage is still occurring, the ideal mixture may be one containing a lower amount of iodine (e.g. 25:75 or even 5:95). If disinfecting properties prove inadequate, ratios can be increased (e.g. 80:20). Surprisingly, the mixed resins also spare tissue components such as red blood cells and platelets. In some cases mixed resins are even useful in a batch procedure where the resin is removed by centrifugation or filtration at the end of a treatment period.

Abstract: An improved transmissive spatial object display provides a background image that appears to observers to have 3-D depth and includes the added advantages of permitting several viewers to observe the display simultaneously so that the background image appears on an accessible screen like that of televisions and computer monitors. A background image display is observed directly through a first Fresnel lens of a two Fresnel lens transmissive spatial object display which lens magnifies the background image display and also provides the front screen of the device. A first partially transparent mirror at 45 degrees separates the two Fresnel lenses permitting the background image display to be viewed solely through the first Fresnel lens. The first Fresnel lens serves the dual function of creating a first spatial object (in combination with the second Fresnel lens) and magnifying the background image.

Abstract: An improved disinfecting air filter that can be used to disinfect air or other gases. The invention can be advantageously used as a standalone to control microorganisms or used with a traditional HEPA filter to effectively control all microorganisms as well as dust particles. The device contains an iodine-donating filter disposed to dispense an effective quantity of iodine vapor into the gas or air stream to be filtered. The iodine laden air then passes through a porous filter of polyvinyl acetal polymer which material has an unusual affinity for iodine and effectively removes it leaving disinfected and iodine-free air or gas.

Abstract: A patient replica is created from a layered culture medium where solid culture medium is formed so that a discontinuity exists between the layers. An infusion port is provided in registration with the discontinuity so that a fresh unadulterated sample of patient blood can be infused into the discontinuity to form a thin layer of blood between the layers of culture medium. The thin layer obviates the requirement for any anticoagulant allowing blood-borne pathogens to be readily cultured without using broth. Further antibiotics or other drug samples may be placed on the surface of the culture medium above the blood layer so that the antibiotic can diffuse through the culture medium and reveal the sensitivities of the cultured pathogens. Other samples of pathogens or tissues can be placed on the surface of the culture medium so that effects of drugs or growth factors present in the patient blood can be observed thereby allowing the entrapped blood layer to act as a biological replica of the patient.

Abstract: A method of preparing a novel, sterile, receptor rich-albumin molecule which utilizes the disinfecting properties of iodine by reacting an iodine donating material or solution with a pure preparation of albumin, and preferably subsequently removing the iodine. The resulting iodine has improved binding properties because the production method strips bacterial endotoxin and other previously bound substances from the albumin. The improved binding site capacity of the albumin product is advantageously used as an adjunct in removing toxins by means of exchange transfusions. Because iodine disinfects the albumin typical pasteurization and related additives are unnecessary.

Abstract: A process for removing disinfectant dye such as methylene blue from blood, a liquid blood fraction or other perishable liquid to which disinfectant dye has been added. The process employs a filter of polyvinyl alcohol-acetal copolymer. This material shows exceptional avidity for disinfectant dyes, readily removing them from blood or blood fractions while having little or no effect on subsequent chemicals analysis of the treated material. The filter material is a porous matrix that releases no particles or fines into the blood product, and its white color readily shows the capture of the blue dye. Disinfectant dyes are used to extend the shelf life of platelet concentrates with the dyes being removed by a PVAA filter prior to transfusion into a patient. Also, triglycerides may also be removed from plasma or other solutions by passage through a porous matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol-acetal) copolymer.

Abstract: A bileaflet prosthetic valve has leaflet pivots symmetrically or centrically located, thereby providing a central opening about twice the size of the two lateral openings. The valve opens from the center outward to provide nonturbulent central flow. The laminar leaflets are curved in cross-section so that the downstream edges of the leaflets are closer to the centerline of the cylindrical support ring when the leaflets are in an opened configuration. This position disposes the leaflets to favor valve closure when reverse flow of blood occurs. As the leaflets move toward a closed position, upstream edges of the leaflets begin to close the lateral openings, but this movement is opposed by blood flowing through these openings thereby providing a force to decelerate the leaflets and cushion their final closing.

Abstract: An improved process for neutralization of acid tars employs a bulk neutralizing agent having a specific gravity greater than that of the acid tar to be neutralized. The bulk neutralizing agent, generally in excess of an amount sufficient to accomplish neutralizing, is spread on top of the acid tar. The neutralizing agent will then begin to sink into the tar. The sinking occurs at a slow rate which is a function of tar viscosity, tar specific gravity, neutralizing agent specific gravity, and temperature. As the neutralizing material sinks into the acidic tar it reacts with the acid neutralizing the tar in situ and depleting the neutralizing agent. Not only does the reaction increase the pH of the tar, it also produces a reaction product with improved physical properties which promotes ease in handling.

Abstract: A germicidal absorptive material for use in surgical packings, sanitary tampons and similar uses is provided by a sponge-like matrix of polyvinyl alcohol-acetal copolymer to which is tightly bound a germicidal disinfectant dye. Polyvinyl alcohol-acetal polymer shows exceptional avidity for a number of disinfectant dyes, both acidic and basic, such as methylene blue and gentian violet. Consequently, sponges of this material containing disinfectant dye release no dye to an aqueous solution The material is generally a porous matrix that releases no particles or fines into wounds or body orifices. Presence of bound disinfectant dye allows the sponge to inhibit bacterial growth in a number of different situations. Several common bacteria are killed by being incubated in the present of an embodiment of the invention which contains both methylene blue and gentian violet.

Abstract: An electronic telephone including a keyboard input, a telephone line interface, a speech synthesis device with a control line and an audio line coupled to the telephone line interface, a message recorder with an audio line coupled to a telephone line interface, and an electronic digital processor system to control the device. The electronic digital processor system includes two independent and separably operable central processing units. One central processing unit is activated by the keyboard when a telephone number is input and may be used to store numerous, frequently called telephone numbers.