Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for preventing accidental overradiation of a patient in surgical procedures involving both fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Video outputs from the endoscope and fluoroscope are connected to a switching device. The endoscope generates a video signal having a first video format, and the fluoroscope generates a video signal having a second video format. The physician uses the switching device to select from between the endoscope video output and the fluoroscope video output for viewing on a video monitor which accepts a video signal of a predetermined video format. The switching device is operable to convert at least one of the endoscope video signal or the fluoroscope video signal to the predetermined video format which the monitor accepts. When the endoscope video output is selected for viewing, the switching device automatically deactivates the X-ray generator of the fluoroscope.

Abstract: A spacer to bridge the interspace between two parallel panes of glass in a multilayer insulating glass. The spacer includes two hollow metal sections mutually spaced apart. A solid web of an unfoamed and fully-cured polyurethane casting compound fills the space between the hollow sections and adheres to the facing surfaces of the sections. The hollow sections and solid web form a spacer having relatively high torsional rigidity and electrical insulation, and having relatively low thermal conductivity between the glass panes. The outside surface of the web is covered with a layer impermeable to vapor.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved orthodontic bracket comprising a body member having a base surface, a top surface and two opposing side surfaces; slots formed in the top surface having a depth substantially equal to the position of the slot in the side surface so that when archwires are received in the slots and retained in the slots by a retaining member both archwires will be positioned the same distance from the base surface thereby providing both archwires with the same in/out compensation.

Abstract: A rotatable rectifier assembly has four rectifiers each comprising a group of bead type diodes mounted between axially spaced electrical conductors, the conductors being pre-loaded together to enable the diode connections to better withstand centrifugal forces. The assembly includes a spacing material to take up manufacturing tolerances and thereby ensure that each of the diode groups takes a substantially equal proportion of the applied pre-load.

Abstract: Improved autoranging, calibration, and complex signal detection circuits for an intermediate frequency (IF) stage in a radio frequency (RF) measurement receiver. An improved autoranging circuit sets a gain stage of a selectively variable gain amplifier prior to each data acquisition cycle, to provide for wide dynamic range and rapid time domain response. An improved complex signal detection circuit for generating an inphase (I) and quadrature phase (Q) signal from an input IF signal in a signal channel and a reference channel is constructed with a novel commutating demodulator circuit. Calibration is effected with an improved digital phase reference method and apparatus wherein effectivr 90.degree.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus and method for forming a V-top shirt pocket or similar article with a folded region, sewing a stitch to hold the fold, and stacking a plurality of same with distributed hem build-up. An unfolded ply of material is provided to a folding station, which forms a tucked edge fold in the material. The ply is then held at the tucked edge, and the opposite end is folded over a folding rod with an air jet. Holding fingers descend to hold the fold in the ply. A transport carriage arrives at the folding station to retrieve the folded, edge-tucked ply. The transport carriage includes a clamp, which clamps on the folded, edge-tucked ply to hold the fold and edge tuck as the folding station elements retract. The transport carriage carries the folded, edge-tucked held ply through a sewing station in synchronization with a sewing machine, where a V-shaped hem is sewn.

Abstract: A probe for twisting hair axially is disclosed comprising a pair of fingers biased together by an elasticized band seated within an annular grove around the exterior of the probe. A slot is defined between the fingers for receiving and holding a group of hair to be twisted. Also disclosed is an apparatus for twisting hair comprising a probe as described above and an electrically driven spindle for rotating the probe. The probe is aligned longitudinally with a group of hair held in the slot between the fingers on the probe. The probe is rotated to twist the hair axially and thereby form loops and folds of the rope-like axially twisted hair. The hair is removed from the probe and pinned.

Abstract: A novel configuration for mounting a removable jaw insert to a pair of pliers. The pliers include mutually opposing, articulating jaws. A recess is formed in at least one of the jaws, and a flange is formed on the jaws adjacent the recess. A jaw insert has a mating portion dimensioned to be received within the recess in the jaws and includes a hook portion projecting from a lateral edge. A leg extends perpendicularly from the opposite lateral edge of the jaw insert. The hook portion of the jaw insert engages the flange formed on the corresponding jaw to secure the hook portion of said jaw insert to the jaw. A pin is then inserted through a bore in the leg of the jaw insert and into a corresponding bore in the jaw to removably secure the jaw insert to the pliers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biologically-active copolymers and to compounds that can be safely used to cause the thymus of an animal or human to increase in size, thereby replenishing the T-lymphocyte population. When injected into an animal or human with an antigen, certain of the biologically-active copolymers cause immunosuppression to the antigen.When injected into poultry, certain of the biologically-active copolymers modulate immune responsiveness. The biologically active copolymers are also useful as growth promoters for animals. Compounds within the biologically-active copolymers of the present invention are effective tumoricidal agents. At low concentration, certain of the biologically-active copolymers can cause dedifferentiated cells to differentiate.The biologically-active copolymer of the present invention is a safe and non-toxic formulation that can effectively be administered to animals or humans.

Abstract: A retraction resistant straw of a generally cylindrical construction having a retaining tab having one edge secured to the outer periphery of the cylinder of the straw substantially parallel to the cylinder's longitudinal axis. A retaining edge from the tab extends radially from the cylinder. The tab is flexible and may be laid about the outer periphery of the straw when same is inserted into a disposable juice carton, and will return to a relaxed position so that the retaining surface will engage the inside of the upper wall of a juice carton when a child or other user attempts to retract same. An alternate embodiment having a circular retaining edge which is the bottom of a truncated cone coaxial with the straw is also shown.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for lowering serum levels of Lp(a), thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerotic disease. Specifically, the present invention comprises administering an effective amount of a N,S-diacyl-L-cysteine to a human or animal with elevated serum levels of Lp(a). The N,S-diacyl-L-cysteines comprise a compound selected from the group having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl group containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms and R' is selected from the group consisting of acetyl, benzoly, thenoyl, 2-chromone-carbonyl and succinyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: A golf iron head comprising a heel, a toe, a sole, a planar striking face, a backside, a top, a center of mass, and a hosel for connecting to a shaft, wherein the angle formed by the planar striking face and the face of the toe is greater than 90 degrees, the toe side of the club between the striking face and the backside extending back and outwardly away from the heel to a barkside point outermost from the center of mass (compared longitudinally).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanizing the loading of live fowl onto shackles of an overhead conveyor used in poultry processing. Live fowl are placed on a moving conveyor belt moving alongside the shackles. A succession of bird loading stations move with the bird conveyor belt and position the feet of each bird in predetermined relation with corresponding shackles. A foot folder engages the feet of the bird, confining the digits of the feet for unimpeded entry into the shackle. The shackles then are moved toward the bird conveyor to position the feet in the loops of the shackle, after which the shackles are elevated with respect to the bird conveyor to engage the feet within the shackles.

Abstract: Bedding configurations are disclosed having supporting surfaces the firmness of which may be selectively adjustable by remote control means, providing for a supporting surface which may be quickly and easily adjusted by a user for maximum comfort. Various air chambers, cylinders, and tubes are disclosed for use in the central or "lumbar" portions of the mattresses of such bedding configurations, which may be selectively inflated or deflated in order to provide corresponding firmness levels. In a preferred embodiment a body support is comprised of an array of barrel-shaped coils that define elongate gaps at their top and bottom portions, with an elongate, inflatable tube positioned at least in the gaps defined in the top portion of the body support.

Abstract: A cap having a roof member, depending sides and an open bottom to define a shell-like closure for a conversion van. The roof member includes a plurality of honeycomb-like panels disposed between longitudinally disposed cleats. Layers of fiberglass cloth and resin secure the panels and cleats together in the cap. A plurality of transverse support members defining a general U-shape connect to the cap on the interior.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition and method for culturing and freezing cells and tissues without serum or serum products in the culture medium by substituting hyaluronic acid for the serum or serum products. The composition and method are especially well-suited for culturing and freezing embryos, ova and sperm. The present invention reduces the risk of transmittal of microorganisms such as viruses.