Abstract: A billing method is provided for billing for medical treatments and other services. The method includes capturing a treatment event by electronically scanning, at the time of the treatment event, a machine readable patient identifier (e.g., a bar code) carried by a patient treatment chart. The chart has entered thereon a prescribed treatment schedule. Capture of treatment event is entered into a computerized billing system along with the corresponding patient identifier. The patient treatment chart is used to validate charges entered into the system. All treatment events that are entered into the billing system for a particular patient identifier are collected and an invoice is generated for all of the collected treatment events entered into the billing system for the specific patient identifier. A method is also provided for tracking the patient treatment chart as an alerting device in checking on charge capture.

Abstract: The power supply apparatus (10) comprises an input (12), first and second outputs (14, 16) and conversion circuit (18) for conversion of the electric current which are connected between the input (12) and the outputs (14, 16). The conversion circuit (18) comprises a transformer (20) comprising a primary winding (20A) supplied by the input electric current and first and second secondary windings (20B, 20C) respectively supplying the first and second outputs (14, 16) by way of first and second shaping circuits (22, 24). The first shaping circuit (22) comprises a regulating circuit (48) adapted to act on the electric current feeding the primary winding (20A). The regulating circuit (48) is adapted to effect regulation in dependence on a signal from the first shaping circuit (22). The second shaping circuit (24) comprises autonomous circuitry (86, 88) for regulating the current provided by the second output (16).

Abstract: A pet toy and exerciser which produces an automatically movable, outwardly projected laser beam. The function thereof is to provide virtual “prey” for the stimulation and exercise of an animal. The device, which does not include a conventional motor, is small (e.g., can be handheld), lightweight, battery operated and silent, and has an extremely long potential cycle life. Electrically energized nitinol wires deflect a visible laser module to produce a virtual laser light target moved through three dimensions.

Abstract: A dual lock system includes a housing for enclosing an actuating mechanism, a latch bolt, a dead bolt, a stop block, a lock core, and a safe therein. Upper and lower openings are provided in a faceplate to allow extension and retraction of the latch bolt and the dead bolt. Two upper actuating plates are pivotable by operation of the inside handle and the outside handle, respectively. When the dual lock assembly is in a locked status, rotation of the inside handle is allowed to simultaneously retract the deadbolt and the latch bolt, yet rotation of the outside handle is prohibited by a stop piece of the stop block. The latch bolt can be rotated through 180° when extended.

Abstract: The method for producing tubes for heavy guns employs a heat-treatable steel, consisting in wt.-% of 0.20 to 0.50% carbon, max. 1.0% silicon, max. 1.0% manganese, max. 0.03% phosphorus, max. 0.03% sulfur, max. 0.1% aluminum, max. 4% nickel, max. 2% chromium, max. 1% molybdenum, max. 0.5% vanadium, and the remainder of iron and the customary impurities. Forgings of open-smelted cast ingots are pre-worked on a lathe on the outside. The solid blanks obtained in this way are hardened and tempered, only subsequently drilled and then finished.

Abstract: A cabled platform suspension system includes a platform having first and second support points at spaced locations along a front work-access edge of the platform and a third, stabilizing/rotator support point. A platform support structure, such as the two or four towers of a dry dock, defines first, second, third and fourth platform suspension points arranged in a substantially rectangular pattern. Six cables are connected between the platform and support structure, with five cables being respectively connected between the first and fourth suspension points and the first and second platform support points, two cables being respectively connected between the second and third suspension points and the first and second platform support points and two cables being respectively connected between the second and third suspension points and the third platform support point.

Abstract: A process for preparing a monomer compound represented by formula (II): [wherein M represents an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal; and n is 0, 1 or 2.] by pyrolysis of a compound represented by formula (I) below: [wherein M and n are as defined above.], the pyrolysis being conducted in the presence of a catalyst which has coordinating properties to a metal ion M.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of an aqueous sodium chloride solution, according to which a solid material comprising sodium chloride and heavy metals is dispersed in water, the aqueous medium thus obtained is alkalinized so as to precipitate the heavy metals in the form of metal hydroxides, calcium carbonate is coprecipitated with the metal hydroxides in the aqueous medium and the aqueous medium is then subjected to mechanical clarification.

Abstract: A device for supplying one or more arrays (1, 2) of burners (3), in which each burner (3) comprises at least one fuel inlet line (302) and at least one comburent agent inlet line (301). The said lines (302, 301) of the burners (3) are connected upstream respectively to at least one fuel supply duct (13) and to at least one comburent agent supply duct (9), and means (10, 11, 13, 16) are provided for monitoring and controlling the flows of fuel and comburent agent in these supply ducts. These means are operationally connected to at least one central unit (17) for controlling the distribution of the said flows to the arrays (1, 2) of burners (3)A device for supplying one or more arrays (1, 2) of burners (3).

Abstract: A conductive structure is used in electric variable resistance devices to provide changes in electrical resistance with movement and changes in pressure, the variable resistance device comprising externally connectable electrodes (10) bridged by an element (14) containing polymer and particles of metal, alloy or reduced metal oxide, said element (14) having a first level of conductance when quiescent and being convertible to a second level of conductance by change of stress applied by stretching or compression or electric field, the device further comprising by means (18) to stress the element (14) over a cross-sectional area proportional to the level of conductance required.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided for use in medical diagnostic applications. The probe includes one or more ultrasonic transducers disposed in an external housing and a plurality of cables disposed in a common sheath. A pointing device, such as a trackball, rocking-key device or the like, is mounted on the probe housing for controlling a plurality of functions of a remote imaging system associated with the probe.

Abstract: A heat shield arrangement (12) for a roller table (2) comprising respective upper and lower series of heat shield panels (32,34,36,18) above and below a hot material path (42) along the table. The lower series of panels (18) includes at least one panel that is displaceable to permit a greater radiation loss from a central region of the path (42) than from laterally outer regions to each side of the central region. The upper series of panels includes at least one central panel (34) and at least two laterally outer panels (32,36) on opposite sides of said central panel (34), the outer panels (32,36) being suspended from a primary support structure (26) and said central panel (34) being suspended from an auxiliary support structure (30) displaceable relative to the primary support structure (26) to raise said central panel (34) relative to the outer panels (32,36). By these means a more uniform lateral temperature profile can be obtained even for thick transfer bars.

Abstract: A brush assembly is provided in a movable sweeper in which the sweeper includes a vehicle frame to which a rotatable cylindrical brush is connected. The sweeper comprises a turning equipment to turn a brush frame around the vertical axle. The turning equipment comprises a first hydraulic cylinder by means of which an articulated auxiliary bar is turned around its articulating joint. A second hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the auxiliary bar from one of its ends and the second hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the brush frame on its other end. The working positions of the brush are obtained by driving one of the hydraulic cylinders to its longest or correspondingly shortest position. A transporting position for the brush is obtained by driving the other one of the cylinders (first or second one) to its extreme position.

Abstract: Prewound coils are axially drawn into grooves of stators or rotors of electric machines. This is performed by means of a draw-in star, which can be pushed forward through their bores, behind which cover strips (16), made of insulated material, are pushed into the grooves (12) in front of their opening slits in the course of the draw-in process. To prevent the cover strips (16) from being partially pulled out of the grooves (12) when the draw-in star (28) is pulled back, it is provided that the cover strips (16) are supported against a retrograde movement during a defined first section of the return movement of the draw-in star (28), for example in that the pushers remain in their pushed-forward position during the first phase of the return movement of the draw-in star (28).

Abstract: A cleaning device is attached at each end to shoulders pivoting on a pair of parallel arms hinged at the other end to the side walls of a machine. There pivots on at least one of the arms an assembly of pneumatic actuators, which actuators pivot at the other end on a lug integral with one of the shoulders, which shoulders are provided with spindles or rollers that run in cam paths formed in plates attached to the side walls. The cleaning device can be oriented and positioned against either of the two cylinders to be cleaned or can be set in a position remote from both of these cylinders. Mounted on at least one of the arms or on both of the shoulders are idle rollers designed to engage with corresponding cams, so that the cleaning device is moved away automatically whenever it passes over the clamps.

Abstract: Early developing stage-specific liver proteins and the genes coding for them that have been isolated and sequenced are provided, and these genes and proteins can be utilized to diagnose and/or treat a wide variety of liver disorders and other ailments. Included in the proteins identified and isolated in the present invention are the proteins known as elf 1-3, liyor-1 (145), pk, protein 106, and praja-1, along with the nucleic acid sequences coding for these and other proteins, and antibodies, such as the antibodies to mouse elf protein, may be raised which recognize these proteins or to peptides derived from these proteins.

Abstract: The invention features apoptosis-resistant, non-transformant immortalised avian cells, in particular, avian tissues, i.e., other than blood or haematopoietic cells, particularly fibroblasts and epithelial cells, for instance embryos.

Abstract: A method of preparing a trace element solution includes the steps of providing at least one EDTA-complex, providing a sodium selenite solution, and combining the EDTA-complex(es) and the sodium selenite solution to form a trace element solution. An EDTA complex is prepared by using disodium EDTA or EDTA acid, selenium, and any other suitable mineral.

Abstract: An apparatus for golf putting practice including a golf ball return sheet with a trough running from a lower first end of the sheet to an upper second end of the sheet and along a center line. The first end is for locating on a putting surface and a support supports the sheet inclined to the putting surface. The support has an upwardly extending wall to stop a ball, and the ball will then roll back down the trough of the sheet. The upwardly extending wall can also have a small target aperture and semi-circular tongue. The apparatus can be returned to a flat condition for storage purposes.