Abstract: A pier boot is fabricated for installation around a pier in the crawlspace of a building. The pier boot includes a substantially impermeable polymer sheet. The polymer sheet has a flange portion and two or more slits therein. The slits define flap portions of the polymer sheet, and the slits each have an end that defines a hinge in the polymer sheet. The pier boot is installed around a pier in order to optimize the seal around that pier when constructing a conditioned crawlspace.

Abstract: Devices in accordance with certain embodiments of the present sulcus speculum are designed to be placed into the sulcus of an eye to perform one or more of the following functions: evacuation of fluid, opening of the lids, and application of drugs such as anesthetic or antibiotics. The present devices can include a sponge positioned around (a) an aspiration tube for withdrawing fluid and (b) an arm of a speculum. Other variations of the present devices include those with an aspiration tube for withdrawing fluid, the tube being positioned in a trough defined by an arm of a speculum. Alternatively, the speculum arm can define a passage for holding the aspiration tube. In that alternate embodiment, the portion of the speculum arm defining the passage has openings for passing fluid into the passage so that the aspiration tube in the passage can then remove fluid.

Abstract: A computer network management system with an embedded processor, an analog communication means and a digital interface for network management provides a system for remotely and securely managing a network. Backup power in the form of an uninterrupted power supply, or other power means as appropriate, allows the modem to provide power outage notification to a remote site. The system further provides authentication and authorization capabilities for security purposes.

Abstract: An orthotic device may be utilized to promote flexion or extension of a patient's wrist. At least one support member having a pivotal portion may be angularly positioned through the use of a tensioning member in conjunction with a hinge to effect the desired therapeutic fixation of the joint, or alternatively, to permit a limited range of motion. The tensioning member is connected on one end to a post, and on the other end to an anchor, wherein the positions of flexion or extension are created depending on the direction in which the tensioning member extends from the anchor to the post.

Abstract: A shipping container following the teachings of the present invention is made by an insert molding process. The walls and bottom are each formed with structural portions that form a frame and any necessary cross bracing. A fabric covers any opening between structural portions. The fabric is placed in a mold that defines a cavity shaped like the structural portions, and thereafter a thermoplastic resin in injected. The resin intimately penetrates the fabric fibers to hold the fabric in place. The fabric may have holes formed in it to enhance the penetration of the resin. A wide variety of fabric and resins may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing the effects of hydrodynamic forces of waves and water currents in coastal environments (e.g., oceans, and coastal, river, lake, and reservoir banks). The apparatus is an oysterbreak having two basic designs adapted to allow for the attachment of oysters and other bio-fouling marine organisms, using the least amount of material. In one embodiment, the oysterbreak comprises a support structure and plurality of slats (i.e., relatively planar sections or surfaces) having growth layers made from tubing coated with a material capable of inducing aquatic sessile organism attachment and growth. In another embodiment, the oysterbreak comprises a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc.) of growth layers of regular polygonal-shaped members made from a material capable of inducing aquatic sessile organism attachment and growth that when stacked, form a relatively portable, breakwater module.

Abstract: An orthotic device has first and second, elongated support members. The support members are pivotally connected at their respective proximal ends. The device further includes a tensioning member. There are also first, second and third pairs of guides, each pair adapted to receive the tensioning member. Whereby the device may facilitate movement of a limb into either a flexed or extended position by placing the tensioning member in the first and second or second and third pairs of guides respectively.

Abstract: A sentinel event reduction door comprises a trapezoidally-shaped panel comprising four sides. A continuous hinge is connected to the panel along substantially the full length of a first side thereof. A second side of the panel is adjacent to the first side, wherein the angle defined by the intersection of the first and second sides of the panel is an acute angle. A third side of the panel, the side opposite the side of the panel from the first side, may comprise a pliable material attached thereto.

Abstract: A combination bone fixation/immobilization apparatus is adapted to stabilize a patient's foot and ankle. A foot plate is adapted to have one or more transfixation wires or pins or screws fixed thereto. A substantially rigid leg support assembly is adapted to receive a patient's leg, the leg support comprising a cuff and a strap adapted to secure the cuff around the patient's leg. The leg support is rigidly attached to the foot plate. A patient's foot may thereby be fixed with transfixation wires, or pins or screws and simultaneously immobilized with respect to the ankle and lower leg.

Abstract: A flywheel-driven vehicle is powered by an electric motor. The rotation of the flywheel is initiated and maintained by an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is powered alternatively by a plurality of batteries (or sets of batteries). A charger assembly is connected to the plurality of batteries. In operation, one battery at a time powers the electric motor while, simultaneously, the other battery(s) is/are being recharged.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a new and sensitive radiation sensor. The sensor includes a photo conductor cell. A substantially transparent cone optically coupled to the photo conductor cell, and a first layer of phosphor material coated onto the transparent cone. The layer of metal is then coated onto the phosphor material. This combination provides a sensitive and compact sensor construction. A bias light is further included to improve the sensitivity of the sensor. Signals sent by the sensor and evaluated by a microprocessor result in the transmission of predetermined audible sounds.

Abstract: An orthotic device promotes both supination and pronation of a patient's wrist. A forearm enclosure is adapted to substantially wrap around a forearm. A forearm support member is adapted to slidably receive the forearm enclosure wherein the support member wraps partially around the forearm enclosure. A post is mountable on the forearm enclosure. An anchor is mounted on the support member. A tensioning member is connected to the anchor and on the other end to the post, wherein a rotational force of supination or pronation will be created on the forearm enclosure depending on the direction which the tensioning members extend from the anchor to the post.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for increasing combustion efficiency in internal combustion engines and external combustors resulting in increased fuel economy and reduced exhaust pollutants. The same principles and apparatus of the invention are used in the exhaust stream to further reduce pollutants.