Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in the mechanical ventilation of respiratory patients in which the PEEP valve and the exhalation valve are combined into a single valve mechanism, and which includes a wye in which the patient tube splits at equal angles into the ventilator tube and a tube closed off by the PEEP valve, so as to maintain the exhalation drive hose and the ventilator hose generally parallel, and avoid sharp angles in the air flow.

Abstract: A system for performing and recording transactions is used in connection with the vending of articles through vending terminals, especially in vending trolleys on board transportation vehicles, such as airplanes, trains, ferries, and buses. The system includes a computer, a visual display mechanism, and input and output mechanisms. At least part of the input mechanism includes a dynamic key displayed in the display mechanism. The computer includes a random access memory (RAM), and, in a preferred embodiment, the system includes a mechanism for detecting and correcting errors in the RAM that may be introduced by external radiation.

Abstract: Prodrugs of the pyridyl methyl sulfinyl benzimidazole type proton pump inhibitor drugs have a hydrolyzable sulfinyl or arylsulfonyl group attached to the benzimidazole nitrogen, or include a group that forms a Mannich base with the benzimidazole nitrogen. The prodrugs of the invention hydrolyze under physiological conditions to provide the proton pump inhibitors with a half life measurable in hours, and are capable of providing sustained plasma concentrations of the proton pump inhibitor drugs for longer time than presently used drugs. The generation of the proton pump inhibitor drugs from the prodrugs of the invention under physiological conditions allows for more effective treatment of several diseases and conditions caused by gastric acid secretion.

Abstract: A container and closure assembly, affording a simple, quick, ergonomical, and reliable closing operation, provides an intermediate, partly open position that is reliably indicated. The distance of rotation of the closure relative to the container necessary for closing the closure is short, so that quick and simple closing of the container is provided. The closure is mounted to the container by a projection that is cooperatively received in a track. Either the closure or the container may be provided with the projection, the other being provided with the track. In a preferred embodiment, the track includes a protuberance that hinders the movement of the projection past a predetermined position along the track.

Abstract: Minor groove binding molecules are covalently bound to oligonucleotides which in their base sequence are complementary to a target sequence of single stranded or double stranded DNA, RNA or hybrids thereof. The covalently bound oligonucleotide minor groove binder conjugates strongly bind to the target sequence of the complementary strand.

Abstract: Diaziridinyl-aryl and bis-[di(chloroethyl)amino]-aryl oligonucleotide conjugates have a sequence that is complementary in the triplex forming sense to a target sequence in duplex nucleic acid. The diaziridinyl-aryl and bis-[di(chloroethyl)amino]-aryl oligonucleotide conjugates effectively cross-link with both strands of the targeted duplex nucleic acid.

Abstract: Parboiled rice flour is used in lieu of other grain flour in medical foods to minimize antigenicity of the medical food product.

Abstract: A spring-actuated infusion syringe includes a housing having an open distal end, with a spring-loaded piston disposed for axial translation in the housing. The piston is biased toward the distal end of the housing. The syringe also includes a barrel for containing a liquid medicament, the barrel having a distal end having a fluid passage therethrough and an open proximal end. A plunger is disposed in the barrel for axial translation therein. The proximal end of the barrel is axially insertable into the distal end of the housing, whereby the piston enters the proximal end of the barrel and engages the plunger. In use, the barrel is filled with a medicament through the fluid flow passage, and the flow of medicament from the syringe is obstructed. The proximal end of the barrel is inserted into the distal end of the housing, whereby the piston enters the proximal end of the barrel.

Abstract: A conductive polymer PTC device includes upper, lower, and center electrodes, with a first PTC conductive polymer layer between the upper and center electrodes, and a second PTC conductive polymer layer between the center and lower electrodes. Each of the upper and lower electrodes is separated into an isolated portion and a main portion. The isolated portions of the upper and lower electrodes are electrically connected to each other and to the center electrode by an input terminal. Upper and lower output terminals are provided, respectively, on the main portions of the upper and lower electrodes and are electrically connected to each other. The resulting device is, effectively, two PTC devices connected in parallel, thereby providing an increased effective cross-sectional area for the current flow path, and thus a larger hold current, for a given footprint.

Abstract: Apparatus for vascular embolization, deployable through a microcatheter, includes a flexible, elongate deployment tube dimensioned for insertion through the microcatheter, and a filamentous embolic device releasably attached to the distal end of the tube. The embolic device is controllably transformable from a soft, compliant state to a rigid or semi-rigid state. The embolic device may include a polymeric material that is transformable by contact with vascular blood or with a liquid that is cooler than vascular blood, or it may include a metallic material that is transformable by electrolytic corrosion. The embolic device may be a continuous filamentous polymeric extrusion; an elongate microcoil filled with polymeric material; an elongate, multi-segmented chain including polymeric interconnecting portions; or an elongate chain of metal segments that are fused together by electrolytic corrosion.

Abstract: A descender for use in abseiling comprises;a base having a connection means for connection to a harness or the like; and a pivotal member pivotally mounted on the base about a pivot axis extending generally normal thereto, the pivot axis being spaced from the connection means.The pivotal member defines first and second spaced sheaves for engaging a rope, extending generally parallel to the pivot axis. The first sheave is disposed about the pivot axis and the second sheave is located substantially on the opposite side of the pivot axis with respect to the connection means. The pivotal member also has a handle means to selectively pivot the pivotal member relative to the base;The base further has a first stop defining a braking surface located adjacent the second projection which limits movement of the pivotal member; and a further, second stop disposed adjacent the first stop at a greater distance from the second projection than the first stop.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument, an apparatus employing such instrument, and a method for using such instrument and apparatus for tissue ablation, are useful for forming lesions in tissue, whereby tumors, birth marks, or the like may be removed. The electrosurgical instrument has an elongated tubular element with a distal end and a proximal end, whereby a cooling fluid passage is provided within the tubular element for establishing fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. An electrical conductor, provided at the proximal end, supplies electrical energy to the distal end. The apparatus includes the electrosurgical instrument, a cooling fluid supply, a counter electrode, and an electrical energy source. In the method of using the instrument and the apparatus, the tubular element is inserted into the tissue, cooling fluid is supplied to the tubular element, and electrical energy is supplied to the tubular element.

Abstract: A system for measuring changes in an environmental parameter, such as velocity or pressure, includes an optical signal source for providing a pulsed, coherent light signal, and an interferometer having a first and second optical legs of unequal optical path lengths. The signal is split into first and second beams that are respectively directed into the first and second optical legs of the interferometer. A fixed mirror reflects the first beam received at the end of the first optical leg. An optical pick-off includes a movable mirror, positioned to reflect the second beam received from the end of the second optical leg. The movable mirror is movable in response to changes in the value of the parameter to be measured. An optical coupler combines the first and second beams after they have been reflected back into their respective optical legs, producing an interference signal, which is detected by an optical detector.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system employs a plurality of pulsed, single-wavelength optical signal sources, each emitting a distinct wavelength, whereby a multiplexed incident beam is generated. The incident beam is split into a first portion directed to first photodetector means that generate a reference signal for each wavelength, and a second portion that interrogates one or more Fabry-Perot pressure sensors. The interrogation beam portion is phase-modulated by gap width variations in the sensor(s), and is transmitted to second photodetector means that generate a measured intensity signal for each wavelength. For each wavelength, the ratio of the measured intensity signal to the reference intensity signal is taken, and yields two terms, one of which is an interference term that is proportional to the cosine of the Fabry-Perot phase shift angle .phi., which is a function of the gap width.

Abstract: A passive component integrated circuit chip formed on an insulative substrate includes a first conductive metallic layer on a major surface of the substrate; a layer of dielectric material on top of the first conductive metallic layer; a second conductive metallic layer on top of the formation of dielectric material; a layer of insulative material on top of the layer of dielectric material and on and around the second conductive metallic layer, but not completely covering the second conductive metallic layer; a conductive via in contact with a portion of the second conductive metallic layer left uncovered by the layer of insulative material; a resistive layer on top of the layer of insulative material and in contact with the conductive via; a conductive contact in contact with the resistive layer; and a passivation layer on top of the resistive layer so as to provide a seal between the resistive layer and the conductive contact.

Abstract: A roping device having an automatic emergency brake includes a generally elongate body having an attachment means at one end, a first rotatable sheave mounted on the body having an annular groove defining a generally semi-circular guide path for a rope, and a braking mechanism mounted to the body generally adjacent the first sheave for selectively braking the rope which, in use, passes therethrough. The braking mechanism is biased towards an engaged position in which the rope is prevented from moving in a first direction through the device.An emergency release mechanism holds the braking mechanism away from its engaged position during normal operation of the device so that the rope is allowed to move through the device in the first direction.

Abstract: In a matched pair of oligonucleotides (ODNS) each member of the pair is complementary or substantially complementary in the Watson Crick sense to a target sequence of duplex nucleic acid where the two strands of the target sequence are themselves complementary to one another. The ODNs include modified bases of such nature that the modified base forms a stable hydrogen bonded base pair with the natural partner base, but does not form a stable hydrogen bonded base pair with its modified partner. This is accomplished when in a hybridized structure the modified base is capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds with its natural complementary base, but only one hydrogen bond with its modified partner. Due to the lack of stable hydrogen bonding with each other, the matched pair of oligonucleotides have a melting temperature under physiological or substantially physiological conditions of approximately 40.degree. C. or less.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting groundwater from a well extending below the static groundwater table includes an extraction pipe having a distal end located a predetermined distance below the static groundwater table, and a proximal end adapted for communication with a source of subatmospheric pressure. The extraction pipe includes a "bubbling hole" a short distance above a static water column established in the well to introduce air bubbles into the extraction pipe to augment the vacuum in lifting the water through the extraction pipe.

Abstract: A PCA device includes a fluid conduit having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, a first flow-restricting orifice in the upstream portion, a second flow-restricting orifice in the downstream portion, a pressure-responsive check valve in the downstream portion in parallel with the second flow-restricting orifice, and a bolus dose delivery mechanism including a chamber in fluid communication between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. Continuous flow is provided through the first flow-restricting orifice, the chamber, and the second flow-restrictive orifice, the continuous flow serving to fill the chamber at a controlled rate through the first flow-restrictive orifice. The bolus dose delivery mechanism is manually actuable to express the contents of the chamber through the check valve to supplement the continuous flow through the downstream portion. The bolus dose delivery mechanism includes a resilient diaphragm that forms a sealed closure for the chamber.

Abstract: A squeeze bottle dispenser includes a squeezable container, a cap with a tubular nipple defining a central passage, and an extensible dispensing tube extending from the interior of the container through the passage, the tube having an outer end terminating in a dispensing orifice. The tube is movable between retracted and extended positions, and it is spring-biased toward its extended position when it is in its retracted position. A removable closure is sealingly engageable with both the outer end of the tube and the nipple, so as to seal both the passage and the dispensing orifice when the tube is in its retracted position, and the dispensing orifice separately when the tube is in its extended position. When the tube is in its retracted position, its inner end is pushed against an internal surface of the container, thereby causing it to bow. It is retained in this bowed configuration by the simultaneous engagement of the closure with both the outer end of the tube and the nipple.