Abstract: A shut-off system for a filling/dispensing valve of a compressed gas cylinder includes an electric motor that rotates the valve stem through a clutch. The clutch operatively couples the motor to the stem to allow the stem to be either motor-turned or manually-turned only in the valve-closing direction, and selectively decouples the motor from the stem to allow manual rotation of the stem in either direction. An actuation signal is fed to a microprocessor to turn the motor on in response to a predetermined condition. During motor operation, a voltage sensor generates a control signal having a value indicative of the voltage across the switch, which value is inputted to the microprocessor. The microprocessor has a stored value representing the resistance across the closed switch, and it thus can compute the instantaneous value of the current drawn by the motor, which is periodically compared with a stored maximum current value.

Abstract: A covalently linked conjugate of an oligonucleotide (ODN) with a peptide and a carrier or targeting ligand (ODN-peptide-carrier) includes a therapeutic oligonucleotide which is capable of selectively binding to a target sequence of DNA, RNA or protein inside a target cell. The ODN is covalently linked to a peptide which is capable of being cleaved by proteolytic enzymes inside the target cell. The peptide, in turn is covalently linked to a carrier or targeting ligand moiety which facilitates delivery of the entire ODN-peptide-carrier conjugate into the cell, and preferably into a specific target tissue type. Inside the cell, the peptide is cleaved, releasing the ODN which, by binding to the target DNA, RNA or protein sequence, brings about a beneficial result.

Abstract: An environmentally sound apparatus and method for automatically extracting and injecting lubricating fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more sources of lubricating fluid, a waste fluid tank, and a source of compressed air, all with associated fluid-level sensing status switches, as well as other status switches for vacuum and low battery voltage. Signals from such status switches and from a fluid flow monitoring pulse meter are relayed to a central processing unit which operates through a front control panel to control a valved single pump and a plurality of valved lines in fluid communication with the single pump, and to display error messages to front control panel indicators when appropriate. Waste fluid is evacuated, from a crankcase oil pan of an internal combustion engine through one computer-determined arrangement of open valves and fluid lines, to the waste tank.

Abstract: A reducer block for effecting the transition, in a block wall, between a course of first blocks which have a first front-to-back thickness, and a course of second blocks which have a second front-to-back thickness that is less than the first thickness, wherein the reducer block has a slanted rear face, whereby the reducer block has a thickness at its bottom surface substantially equal to the first thickness, and a thickness at its top surface substantially equal to the second thickness. A method of constructing a wall with the reducer block comprises the steps of (a) constructing a base portion comprising at least one course of the first blocks; (b) laying a plurality reducer blocks in a single course on top of the uppermost course of the first blocks, so that the bottom surfaces of the reducer blocks are joined to the first blocks; and (c) laying a course of the second blocks on top of the course of reducer blocks, so that the top surfaces of the reducer blocks are joined to the second blocks.

Abstract: A syringe actuation device comprises an elastomeric element that is removably attachable to the outlet tip of a syringe, and to a grip member that allows the elastomeric element to be pulled along the syringe barrel, so as to seat against the distal end of the syringe plunger. In first and second embodiments, the elastomeric element is attached between a grommet, that fits around the outlet tip, and an end cap, having a finger grip, that engages the distal end of the plunger. When the grommet is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap is engaged against the distal end of the plunger with the plunger in its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched along the syringe, thereby biasing the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it pushes the plunger into the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A protective cover is foldable into a first configuration as a carrying case, and into a second configuration as an easel. Unfolded, the cover assumes a "T" shape, with first and second surfaces respectively defining the outer and inner surfaces of the carrying case. The cover has a longitudinal portion comprising first and second end sections and a central section, and a "cross-bar" portion comprising the first end section and a pair of flap portions extending laterally therefrom. Hook-and-loop fasteners are disposed on the cover so as to allow the first surface of the second end section to be folded onto and removably fastened to the second surface of the first end section, and the flap portions to be folded onto and removably fastened to the first surface of the central section, thereby forming the carrying case.

Abstract: A frame to be placed as an external support of a biological valved conduit containing three leaflets. This external frame, made of biocompatible metal or plastic is sutured to the outer surface of the valved conduit made of biological or biocompatible membrane or sigmoid valve root in order to maintain its natural geometry. The frame has a general cylindrical configuration, circular as viewed from above and below. From a side view however, both upper and lower ends of the cylinder present three convex curvatures joined at equidistant points of the circumference. These upper and lower curves are joined by three vertical struts, so that three large saddle shaped paraboloid gaps result. The frame is a wire-like structure that follows perfectly the anatomical shape of the three sinuses of Valsalva, i.e. it corresponds to the external aspect of the line of implantation of the three sigmoid cusps below and the curved line of the sino-tubular junction above.

Abstract: A pressure-limited, time-cycled pulmonary ventilator includes a pressurized gas system that supplies respiratory gas to a patient at a selected inspiratory flow rate; an exhalation valve that (a) opens an expiratory flow path in response to the elapsing of a selected inspiratory time period, and (b) maintains a selected proximal pressure limit during the inspiratory time period; and a volume-cycle override system that actuates the exhalation valve so as to open the expiratory flow path if the patient's tidal volume reaches or exceeds a selected volume limit during the inspiratory time period. The volume-cycle override system includes a flow sensor that outputs an inhalation flow rate signal. The flow rate signal is integrated to derive a measured tidal volume signal. An operator control produces a volume limit signal, indicating a selected volume limit, that is compared with the measured tidal volume signal to yield a difference signal.

Abstract: A method for threading a suture through a suture anchor after the anchor has been driven into a bone comprises the steps of (1) providing a suture anchor having an eyelet, with at least a portion of a pre-installed suture engaging implement passed through the eyelet; (2) driving the suture anchor into a bone, leaving the eyelet and the suture engaging implement exposed; (3) engaging a suture with the suture engaging implement; (4) removing the suture engaging implement from the eyelet so as to pull the suture through the eyelet; and (5) disengaging the suture engaging implement from the suture. In one embodiment, the suture engaging implement comprises a thin, flexible tube having an open end. The tube is pre-installed in the anchor by passing it through the eyelet. One end of the suture is pushed into the open end of the tube. The tube is pulled out of the eyelet so as to pull the suture through the eyelet. The end of the suture is then removed from the open end of the tube.

Abstract: A select fire gun assembly for jet perforating includes a plurality of shaped charges capable of being detonated by blasting caps activated by passage of current through the cap. The first electric terminal of the blasting cap on the bottom of the assembly is grounded. The remaining blasting caps are electrically connected to a dart that grounds only after the charge below has been detonated. The other terminal of each blasting cap is connected to the logging cable through a first diode, and these diodes are arranged in sequentially alternating polarity. The first terminal of each cap is also connected electrically through a large resistor to the gate of an electronic switch which is closed either by positive or negative voltage, depending on the nature of the switch. The switch is open when the gate is grounded. The electronic switch is incorporated in series with the logging cable. Positive and negative gated electronic switches are connected to the blasting caps in alternative sequence.

Abstract: A microtitration system comprises a plurality of well and a frame-like holder with apertures for receiving the wells. Each well has a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom so as to define an upper open end, and a depression or groove is formed in an outer surface of the well side wall at a position spaced from the bottom wall. Each aperture of the holder is at least partly defined by a resilient aperture defining means, which is adapted to enter into locking engagement with the depression or groove of a well received in the aperture. The dimensions and the shape of each aperture are such that when a well is inserted into the aperture, the aperture defining means is engaging with the outer surface of the well side wall and is pressed radially outwardly in relation to a central axis of the well till the aperture defining means may snap into locking engagement with the depression or groove formed in the side wall of the well.

Abstract: A display card for holding an item attached to the card for display has a flat surface defining a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the item is a butterfly-molded item having an integral hinge joining a pair of molded item halves that are foldable along the hinge, wherein the card includes a pair of opposed, inwardly-pointed attachment fingers defined by a notch that interrupts the bottom edge, one of the fingers being a foldable finger that is foldable along an angled crease between a folded position directed away from the notch and an extended position directed toward the other finger, whereby, when the foldable finger is in its extended position, the fingers are disposed and oriented so as to be capable of being removably captured between the item halves under the integral hinge, with a portion of the item fitting in the notch when the item is folded with the fingers disposed between the item halves.

Abstract: A hub for a spoked wheel includes an annular peripheral portion having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface define non-parallel planes, and wherein the inner surface forms an acute angle with respect to the rotational axis defined by the hub, whereby the peripheral portion is thickest along the peripheral edge, and tapers to a reduced thickness at a constant radius from the peripheral edge. First and second pluralities of spoke attachment apertures extend through the outer and inner surfaces, the first plurality of spoke attachment apertures providing attachment points for a plurality of outer spokes on the outer surface and the second plurality of spoke attachment apertures providing attachment points for a plurality of inner spokes on the inner surface.

Abstract: A force balanced accelerometer system comprises an accelerometric sensor and a control system. The sensor comprises a conductive pendulum pivotably mounted between first and second electrode plates. The control system establishes a cycle period with three phases. In the first phase, the pendulum is electrically isolated in an electric field established between the electrodes. The pendulum is moved from a null position in response to inertial acceleration, and a pickoff signal indicative of the acceleration-responsive position is generated. The pickoff signal is fed into a sample-and-hold circuit and then into a servo compensation circuit, having proportional and integral control, so as to generate a force-indicative signal indicative of the magnitude and direction of the force required to restore the pendulum to the null position.

Abstract: A vaginal suppository or other type of vaginal pessary such as cream, foam or ointment, which contains as its active ingredients at least one pharmaceutically acceptable, topically safe antimicrobial agent, such as an agent selected from the group of benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone iodine, imidiazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea and a viable colony of micro-encapsulated lactobacilli bacteria. The viable lactobacilli are included in the suppository in micro encapsulated form, which protects the bacteria during storage of the suppository from the action of the bacteriocidal agent. When exposed to the vaginal milieu the micro encapsulation breaks down sufficiently to release the lactobacili bacteria. The lactobacilli bacteria serve to maintain or re-establish a healthy lactobacilli based flora on the vaginal wall, and excrete hydrogen peroxide and other bactericidins which suppress abnormal flora conditions that promote infections.

Abstract: A personal watercraft or boat has, in addition to an engine, drive means powered by the engine, and handlebars or steering column for steering the watercraft, a spring mounted floorboard on which the driver/occupant of the watercraft stands, or otherwise supports his or her full or partial weight. The spring mounted floorboard acts as a shock absorber and greatly increases comfort for the driver/occupant of the watercraft.

Abstract: A device for electrically connecting the conductors on a first PC board to the conductors on a second PC board includes a housing having a mounting surface for mounting on the first board, an exposed surface opposite the mounting surface, and a pair of opposed side walls. A plurality of channels open through the exposed surface, each having an interior defined between the interior surfaces of the side walls. A compliant contact element, formed as an integral conductive element, is disposed in each channel.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flow rate of gas includes a flow head having a sensor thermoresistor mounted transversely to the flow of gas, and a reference thermoresistor mounted parallel to the flow of gas, both thermoresistors having equal resistance versus temperature functions. Each thermoresistor is connected in a feedback control circuit, in which each thermoresistor is separately supplied with current to heat it, the current first passing through a fixed resistance in series with each of the thermoresistors. The current supplies are servo controlled to equalize the resistance of each thermoresistor with that of its associated fixed resistance. The power consumed by each thermoresistor at its equilibrium resistance is measured to provide a power indicative signal associated with each thermoresistor. The two power indicative signals are compared to generate a delta power signal. An empirically-derived flow rate-versus-delta power curve is stored as a look-up table in a computer memory.

Abstract: A surfboard has ribbed or corrugated side rails for improved strength without an increase in weight. In a first embodiment, the board comprises a rigid, buoyant foam core, over which a rigid shell is formed, the shell having side rails with at least one external longitudinal rib. In a second embodiment, the board comprises an injection-molded plastic shell, into which a buoyant foam material is injected. The shell is formed with at least one internal longitudinal rib along each side rail. A portion of the top surface of the surfboard is covered with a layer of unbroken loop nylon material overlying a layer of closed cell foam material to form a resilient, non-abrasive, slip-resistant, water-repellent mat. A foot piece having a sole portion of unbroken loop nylon material is removably attachable to the mat by a double-sided patch of fibrous hook material.