Abstract: An apparatus and process for concentrating a selected component from a multi-component liquid using a sorbent bed having a preferential sorption rate for the selected component. The sorbent bed is enclosed in a single vessel and is operated in a simulated moving bed technique whereby the flow profile of the liquid is continually moved downwardly through the sorbent bed. Recirculation is continuous but variable and is accompanied by the injection of eluent and feedstock and the removal of extract and raffinate at preselected times, locations, and amounts as a function of the kinetics and voidage of the sorbent bed. Extract purity and operational efficiency of the sorbent bed are the result of this novel apparatus and process.

Abstract: A dual axis bioreactor system wherein a bioreactor vessel is mounted at its longitudinal axis to a horizontal axle with the bioreactor vessel thereby being rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The horizontal axle is rotatably mounted to a vertical shaft with the vertical shaft rotating the horizontal axle in a horizontal plane. A gear system limits the rotation of the bioreactor vessel to one rotation about its longitudinal axis for each revolution of the bioreactor vessel about the vertical shaft. A flexible, multilumen conduit is affixed to the base of the bioreactor vessel at the longitudinal axis to provide fluid communication with the bioreactor vessel. The rotation rate of the vertical shaft is carefully controlled to reduce any centrifugation effects upon the contents in the bioreactor vessel while providing mixing therein.

Abstract: A cleanout tool for removing debris from a deep borehole, the borehole being characterized by having a relatively low hydrostatic head or level of liquid in the borehole. A series of unique check valves acting in cooperation with a pumping section are used to collect the debris into the debris reservoirs while passing the liquid upwardly through the cleanout tool. The check valves are unique in the fact that they are less prone to plugging and two sets are supplied in pairs so as to provide an extra margin of valving efficiency. The cleanout tool is operable in under low hydrostatic head conditions due to its improved pumping efficiency.

Abstract: An automatic hematocrit reader wherein a sample of blood in a microhematocrit capillary tube is banded with a standing wave from an ultrasonic transducer. A light source and photocell combination is used to determine the relative thicknesses of the bands of red blood cells and the bands of plasma. The hematocrit of the sample of blood is electronically calculated from this data. A calibration strip is included so that the device is calibrated each time the hematocrit is determined. The device includes a mechanical interlock/eject system for the microhematocrit capillary tube and is specifically configured so that the operator does not handle or even touch the microhematocrit capillary tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the electrodeposition of microorganisms on an electrode using a weak, direct current voltage. The electrodeposition of the microorganisms occurs within a relatively short period of time thereby reducing the requirement for culturing the microorganisms. The electrode can be used as an electrode for a Curie point pyrolysis mass spectrometer to determine the specific microorganism electrodeposited on the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a uniform flow profile for a liquid through a packed bed in a large diameter, low-pressure vessel. The liquid is distributed evenly across the top surface of the packed bed and directed through discrete flow regions through the packed bed. The flow regions are defined by flow straighteners which inhibit lateral flow of the liquid beyond the flow regions. The vessel includes a collector for removing the liquid after it has passed through the vessel.

Abstract: A writing platform for a notebook, the writing platform including a writing table that can be elevated from a flat configuration to an elevated position along one edge adjacent the ring binder of the notebook so as to provide a slanted writing surface underneath one or more pages in the notebook. A riser is hingedly joined to the writing table and supports the edge of the writing table at a preselected elevation. Engagement means are included on the riser element and are used to releasably engage the rings of the ring binder to releasably support the writing table in a generally wedge-like orientation. The dimensional characteristics of the riser and the engagement means on the riser determine the elevation of the edge of the writing table.

Abstract: A foldable stick bag for drumsticks, the stick bag being configured to be removably mounted to a drummer's stool and support a plurality of drumsticks in a readily accessible configuration at the sides of the drummer's stool. The stick bag is fabricated from a fabric-like material and with a seat portion that generally corresponds to the profile of the seat of the drummer's stool. A skirt depends downwardly from the periphery of the seat portion and supports a plurality of open-top pockets into which the drumsticks are inserted. Partial platforms in the pockets allow the drummer to selectively elevate preselected drumsticks above the rest of the drumsticks in the pockets. A cover encloses the exposed portions of the drumsticks and can be folded behind the drumsticks when the stick bag is mounted on the drummer's stool. A handle is secured to the skirt along with a bundling strap. The bundling strap secures the stick bag as a bundle with the handle exposed to accommodate hand carrying of the stick bag.

Abstract: A writing platform for a notebook, the writing platform including a writing table that can be elevated from a flat configuration to an elevated position along one edge adjacent the ring binder of the notebook so as to provide a writing surface underneath one or more pages in the notebook. A riser is hingedly joined between a basal element and the writing table and supports the edge of the writing table at a preselected elevation. Detent means are included on the basal element and are engaged by the writing table to releasably support the riser in a generally vertical orientation. The dimensional characteristics of the writing table, the riser, and the detent means determine the ultimate elevation of the edge of the writing table.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a vending machine at a remote location, the monitoring system including an inventory sensing system for providing a continuous update of the inventory in the vending machine, an alarm system to signal when the vending machine is being damaged or the systems in the vending machine are in need of attention, a communication system, and a credit card verification system. The vending machine is coupled to a central computer system which monitors all the systems in the vending machine. The communication system includes a credit card verification system, a two-way communication capability, a display screen, and a printer.

Abstract: This invention is a disposable bag having a foldable funnel mounted in the throat of the bag. The bag has a convergent, upwardly tapered neck toward the mouth of the bag. The mouth and a portion of the neck are inverted inside the bag where it forms a reflux valve below the funnel. One side of the funnel includes an upwardly extending closure that can be folded across the funnel into sealing engagement with the other side of the funnel.

Abstract: This invention is a disposable bag having a foldable funnel mounted in the throat of the bag. The bag has a convergent, upwardly tapered neck toward the mouth of the bag. The mouth and a portion of the neck are inverted inside the bag where it forms a reflux valve below the funnel. One side of the funnel includes an upwardly extending closure that can be folded across the funnel into sealing engagement with the other side of the funnel.

Abstract: A writing platform for a notebook, the writing platform including a writing table that can be elevated from a flat configuration to an elevated position along one edge so as to provide a writing surface underneath one or more pages in the notebook. A riser is hingedly joined to the writing table and supports the edge of the writing table at a preselected elevation. Detent means are included to releasably support the riser in a generally vertical orientation. The dimensional characteristics of the writing table, the riser, and the detent means determine the ultimate elevation of the edge of the writing table.

Abstract: A medical equipment monitor apparatus and method whereby the normal operating conditions and alarm situations for the medical equipment are intercepted by the monitor where they are recorded and selectively transmitted to a base computer system at a remote location. Importantly, alarm conditions of the medical equipment are promptly transmitted over a telephone to the base computer to alert the operating personnel to the alarm condition. The monitor system also provides for a printed copy to be produced from selected data provided to the base computer by the monitor apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strut and bracket apparatus for mounting to a section of an overhead garage door, the strut and bracket combination being utilized to selectively impart the desired tensile forces to the section, thereby correcting or repairing or otherwise compensating for any misalignment or tendency for misalignment in the section. Specially shaped brackets are used along with hardened steel bolts to assure secure and safe attachment of the strut to the bracket.

Abstract: A modular hip stem prosthesis including a hip stem with an integral, enlarged shoulder and a neck section mountable to the hip stem. The integral, enlarged shoulder is designed to closely conform to the metaphyseal region to securely mount the hip stem in the end of the femur. The enlarged, shoulder portion of the hip stem is also selectively configured to be fabricated as a separate element so as to allow one of a plurality of distal stems to be mounted to the enlarged shoulder to create the hip stem. The neck section readily adapts the hip stem prosthesis for repair and replacement of the components of the total hip replacement without requiring replacement of the hip stem.