Abstract: A system is provided for detecting and correcting signal distortion in a received digital signal which comprises a series of pulses whose parameters are defined by transitions in the amplitude of the signal pulses. The device of the invention includes components which sample the signal pulse values a predetermined number of times, a variable length shift register having a variable number of memory cells for selectively storing and retrieving the sampled signal values, a variable frequency clock and provision of synchronizing the reference clock with the sampled signal pulses.

Abstract: A connector is described for intravenous systems which fits over an I.V. needle which is inserted into the system such that the I.V. needle is at all times covered to prevent accidental contact with those using the system. The connector is a sleeve which fits over the I.V. needle and completely covers it. One end of the catheter tube or adaptor fitted to the tube is inserted into the sleeve so that the I.V. needle becomes engaged with the tube.

Abstract: A device for measuring linear force which is converted to rotational force or torque. Initially, force is applied in a linear direction to a means for transmitting that force to a rotatable shaft where it is converted to rotational force which can be measured by a strain gauge. The device is mounted on a vertically adjustable column attached to a moveable base.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting precipitator dust obtained during production of elemental phosphorus into feedstock for the submerged-arc electric furnace. Precipitator dust is agglomerated and indurated to prepare furnace feedstock. A binder is made by reacting acidic phosphorus compounds with alkaline substances. The preferred acidic phosphorus compound is phosphoric acid, and the preferred alkaline substance is ground phosphate ore. Precipitator dust is tumbled with the binder to form agglomerates, and the agglomerates are then indurated by heating. Gases evolved during preparation of binder, agglomeration of precipitator dust, and induration of the agglomerates are scrubbed with an aqueous medium having a pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.0. Scrubber effluent is used as feedstock for the production of suspension fertilizer. The indurated agglomerates are smelted in a submerged-arc electric furnace.

Abstract: A modification of a hypodermic syringe shielding the needle from user so that inadvertant puncture to the user of syringe will not occur before, during or after the injection of subject. This modification removes the necessity for capping or recapping the syringe. It is an improvement over prior devices in that the hypodermic needle is moved out of shield with out pressure of the syringe on subject being injected allowing for full view of needle during injection making venipuncture possible. The needle retracts automatically back in shield with release of pressure on shield handle (5) and syringe handle (7) by means of spring (2). Gasket (3) prevents movement of needle in shield by unintentional forces, and the plunger rod handle operates independently of retracting or protracting needle allowing for filling of syringe, aspiration of syringe and injecting with syringe.

Abstract: A blood collection needle holder is described which permits quick release of a spent blood collection needle once it has been used without complex manipulation by the health care provider. The device provides a locking mechanism on one end of a needle and blood collection container holder which can be opened with the fingers of one hand in order to avoid time consuming and potentially hazardous manipulations.

Abstract: A blood collection system and method are disclosed in which a neutralizing agent for pathogens such as HTLV-III virus is added to the blood collected in a standard blood bag or group of connected bags. Conveniently, the neutralizing agent, which can be in liquid or powder form, is held in a small container attached to the blood bag and released into the collected blood or alternatively, prepositioned in the collecting or satellite bag.

Abstract: An animal training collar is described which is remotely controlled so that pressure can be applied to the neck of the animal from a remote location by the master. The collar contains a radio receiver and elements for applying pressure to the animal's neck on receipt of the appropriate signal from a transmitter.

Abstract: New processes and equipment are disclosed for producing elemental phosphorus and thermal phosphoric acid. Benefits are listed below.1. Phosphorus-containing solids are recycled to smelting furnaces thus eliminating hazardous waste generation.2. Phosphorus furnace feedstock is upgraded and this permits unbeneficiated phosphate ore to be smelted.3. Energy is conserved during manufacture of elemental phosphorus and phosphoric acid.4. Electric energy is produced by cogeneration.5. Fluorine in phosphate ore is recovered as ammonium fluoride.6. Phosphorus-containing liquids are used as feedstock for production of suspension fertilizers.Benefits are achieved by agglomerating phosphate ore with monocalcium phosphate binder by a method which upgrades the ore. Phosphorus-containing solids are fluidized and burned to form an impure phosphoric acid mixture which is reacted with small sized phosphate ore to form monocalcium phosphate binder.

Abstract: An animal training collar is described which is remotely controlled so that the collar can be tightened or released from a remote location by the master. The collar contains a small electric motor, power source, radio receiver and clutch mechanism for transmitting rotational force to a capstan which winds in leads attached to the collar on receipt of the appropriate signal from a transmitter.

Abstract: A device is provided for rehabilitation, exercise and therapy which consists of an upright standard to which are attached in predetermined order and position, arrays of modules made up of interchangeable units attached together in varying configurations. Assembly and disassembly of the modules from the standard in the proper sequence and position accurately simulates various stretching, bending, lifting and stooping operations encountered in occupational and other efforts.

Abstract: A device is described for maintaining bedding, such as the bottom sheet and mattress pad, in place on a mattress and preventing its becoming dislodged due to either the movement of the bed itself or its occupant. The device is a partial coverlet which fits over a portion of the end of the mattress and is held in place by elastic straps which grip the sides of the mattress to hold the mattress pad and sheet so that they do not pull off.

Abstract: A tree support strap is described which is made of a climatologically degradeable material so that it will deteriorate and fall away from the tree after an initial period of support lasting a predetermined period of time. The support strap attaches to conventional stays or guy wires but does not require these wires to actually contact the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: A tray is described having provisions which permit its attachment to various objects such as table legs and vehicle window sills. The tray is further provided with accessories which hold items such as glasses, cups and ash trays.

Abstract: A method and device for rehabilitation and evaluation are described in which the individual is required to perform manual operations within a visually obscured enclosure. Partitions are provided within the enclosure to simulate the performance of mechanical operations within a confined space. The operations themselves may typically be the placing and tightening of nuts on bolts which project into the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating the operational characteristics of different tools in the rehabilitation therapy of damaged limbs by simultaneously carrying out, in coordinated fashion, several muscle and joint movements, which comprises:(a) an angularly adjustable shaft mounted for full rotation in either direction about a fixed axis;(b) a rotation register for measuring the degree of rotation of said shaft;(c) a brake responsive to an applied voltage for applying a constant pre-determined torque resistance to said shaft corresponding to the amount of applied voltage;(d) a device for selectively varying the amount of said voltage at a constant value such that said corresponding torque resistance is maintained at a constant value within a range useful for rehabilitation therapy; and(e) an accessory coupler on one end of said shaft for detachably receiving and supporting corresponding coupler elements of a plurality of tool simulator accessories of different frame and handle sizes and/or configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaporation and liquid separation which (1) a liquid to be treated and a carrier for evaporating molecules are maintained in contact wiht opposite sides of a thin membrane which has capillaries extending between the opposite sides of the membrane of substantially uniform size; (2) the liquid is placed in contact with one side of the membrane and enters the capillaries to a level which is separated from a second side of the membrane by a distance which is preferably less than 30% of the capillary length; (3) the diameters of the capillaries are chosen so that the evaporating substance exerts a partial pressure in the proximity of a convex capillary meniscus which is significantly higher than the corresponding partial pressure in the evaporate's carrier. Preferably the method of the invention is carried out cyclically.

Abstract: Fluorine in phosphate ores is present as the mineral fluorapatite. When the ores are digested with sulfuric acid a slurry is formed which can be filtered to make wet-process phosphoric acid. But fluorine compounds are discharged into the surrounding air during digestion and filtration. The fluorine-containing air is scrubbed with water to prevent air pollution. Scrubber water is cooled in ponds and is recycled to the scrubber. However, fluorine compounds are emitted from the cooling ponds and cause air pollution. In the present invention, processes are disclosed for treating fluorine-containing gases without use of cooling ponds thereby eliminating the air pollution problem. A facility is provided for treating fluorine-containing gases wherein fluosilicic acid or fluosilicate salts are converted to a fluoride salt by the addition of an alkaline substance. A slightly acidic scrubber water is concentrated in an absorption tower.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling the respective phased rotation relative to one another of two rotating shafts. The device of the invention finds particular application with respect to automotive engines and sequential operations associated therewith. The rotational displacement, for example, of a cam shaft used to control the opening and closing of engine valves can be controlled with respect to the phasing of rotation of the crankshaft of an engine. The invention finds particular application with regard to a unique, cam actuated valve lifter. In addition, such functions as fuel injection, ignition timing and other sequential operations in an internal combustion engine can be controlled relative, for example, to the rotation crankshaft.

Abstract: A compact radiation source is obtainable by cascade ionization of a high pressure gas jet as it emerges into a vacuum. The high frequency electric field causing the ionization can be supplied by either microwave or infra-red means. The radiation produced includes ions, atoms, plasma or light, in particular, vacuum ultraviolet radiation.