Abstract: A gel-like emulsion containing natural rubber and crumb rubber from used vehicle tires which may be added to an asphalt paving emulsion at ambient temperature for chip coating, slurry sealing, microsurfacing, soil stabilization or pavement recycling.

Abstract: An astronaut's work station for performing experiments or other work in space is designed for use under the conditions of open space on board space vehicles by an astronaut in a spacesuit, using a system of hardware, for instance electron beam, which it accommodates, as well as samples of materials to be worked on, located in a replaceable samples module. The work station is fastened on the outer surface of a long-term orbital space station of the MIR type, or in the cargo bay of a cargo reusable space vehicle of the Shuttle type. The work station comprises a frame containing a base with a foot rail, a hand rail with a holder, a seat with latches for locking-in the replaceable samples module, and an astronaut's sliding foot restraint which moves over the foot rail.

Abstract: A coffin comprising an open receptacle assembly for receiving a corpse and a cover assembly for closing the receptacle assembly, in which coffin at least one of the receptacle assembly and the cover assembly is constructed from corrugated cardboard panels fixed to a skeletal frame structure. The corrugated cardboard panels are comprised of two or more layers of corrugated cardboard having a layer comprised of foil lining separating each layer of corrugated cardboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for forcing a member or device, such as a sample tube or seismic or geological instrument, through a material such as soil along a selected line of action. The apparatus includes a derrick with first and second plates mounted thereto, the second plate having a locking dog extending through a hole therein for engaging the material, and the first plate being provided with a hydraulic cylinder or other device for forcing the member through the material. The first plate is also provided with an extruder head for releasably mounting the sample-containing sample tube thereto, and the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a plunger releasably mounted to the ram thereof for extruding the sample from the sample tube. The locking dog positively engages the material to provide an apparatus for transmitting the reactive forces resulting from forcing the member through the material to the material.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a giant magnetoresistance ratio (GMR) sensor is used to detect the presence of a magnet in order to command the device to enter a predetermined mode of operation. The GMR responds to a modulated magnetic field generated by the programming of a command transmitter apparatus for non-invasive programming or controlling of the implanted device. The implantable medical device also monitors for the presence of a steady magnetic field to place the implanted device in a known, safe mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial blood and blood substitutes and supplements made by a process for cross-linking a proteinaceous material including an oxygen transport/binding protein such as hemoglobin, methhemoglobin, myoglobin and hemocyanin. The process comprises: i) soaking the proteinaceous material including the oxygen transport/binding protein to be cross-linked in an aqueous solution of high osmolality; ii) incubating the material in an aqueous buffer including an amount of a photooxidative catalyst sufficient to catalyze photooxidation of the material; and iii) irradiating the material and the catalyst of step (i) with light that includes a range of wavelengths selectively absorbed by the catalyst. Irradiation is effected under conditions such that cross-linking of the material occurs.

Abstract: A multi-function separator provides a coalescing section for removal of entrained impurities in a process stream; an adsorbent section for removal of vapor contaminants; and a filter section for removal of particulate impurities. A process stream flows into longitudinal hollow centers of porous coalescer robes and radially out; through holes in a baffle; into an adsorbent section; through a redistribution baffle; into filters; and out through another redistribution baffle. The multi-function separator is designed so that the process stream flows transverse to the longitude of an elongate vessel. The fluid velocity within the coalescer section is equal throughout, so that localized high-velocity areas are avoided, thus preventing re-entrainment of a coalesced contaminant.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reduction of spondylolisthesis involving the insertion of an elongate implant which is split longitudinally into two side-by-side members, one of which is movable relative to the other, into the disk space between two misaligned vertebrae. Each of the members is provided with teeth for engaging the adjacent vertebrae and positioned on the members so as to be located on opposite sides of the implant. The implant formed by the two side-by-side members is generally rectangularly-shaped in cross section, the height of the rectangularly-shaped cross section being less than the width so that the implant can be inserted between the adjacent vertebrae with the lesser, height dimension oriented in the same direction as the axis of the spinal column and the larger width dimension at approximately a right angle to that axis.

Abstract: Artificial disk implant and methods for implanting same, the implant, in one embodiment, having a member for adapting in size and shape to the anatomical space between vertebrae, and apparatus for expanding the member to conform to the space. In one preferred embodiment, there is provided an artificial intervertebral disk implant having a cylindrical body comprised of cylindrical subunits capable of expansion. In another preferred embodiment, rectangular subunits capable of expansion are provided. The implant can be used alone or in various combinations for the purpose of spinal fusion.

Abstract: A method of identifying strengths and weaknesses in a student's ability to use their sensory channels which integrates five basic processes into a series of testing procedures. First, the nature of the test is specified, either by a teacher or by a pre-programmed default stored in the memory of a computer. Second, test material suitable for use with a test of the specified nature is identified and extracted from the memory of the computer and then presented to the student using the outputs of the computer. The responses of the student through the inputs of the computer are then recorded and analyzed for patterns which are capable of being correlated with deficiencies in the sensory channels under test. Finally, procedures are recommended for remediating the deficiencies identified by analysis of the performance data.

Abstract: In a guttering arrangement, a guttering element defines a seat adapted to receive an end of a length of guttering. The seat is provided with a channel receiving a sealing strip intended to be in sealing engagement with the exterior of the length of guttering. The element is provided with two separate clips mounted on the element, each clip having a portion directed inwardly across the seat adapted to engage and retain an edge of the said length of guttering. Each clip has a portion defining connecting formations adapted to engage corresponding co-operating connecting formations formed on the exterior of the part of the element defining the seat. The clip has a limited degree of movement.

Abstract: A middle expanded, removable disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with a minimal height and a width greater than the height. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed, and once inserted, is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger width middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant will engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae and the implant is then rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A lock is then secured to the implant to prevent further rotation thereof.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae is disclosed using a middle-expanded, removable disk implant. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with a minimal height and a width greater than the height. The implant is detachably mounted to an applicator for insertion into the anatomical region between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed, and once inserted, is positioned by anterior-posterior movement in the disk space to the position in which both the expanded, larger width middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae and the implant is then rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A lock is then secured to the implant to prevent further rotation thereof.

Abstract: A method of intervertebral disk stabilization in which adjacent vertebrae are spread and a portion of the intervertebral disk is removed from therebetween is disclosed. An elongate, generally cylindrically shaped implant having middle and end portions, the middle portion being of larger diameter than the end portions, is inserted into the space between the adjacent vertebrae from which the disk was removed and then rotated. Threads formed on the outside surface of the implant bear against the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae to move the implant back and forth in an anterior-posterior direction in the disk space to a position in which both the larger diameter middle portion and the smaller diameter end portions of the implant engage the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae relative to each other.

Abstract: A wall frame has C-shaped vertical studs each with a leg having sets of openings therein. Each set of openings comprises a pair of side-by-side openings above a further opening. A wall panel support has a central mounting portion with a pair of side-by-side hooks above a projecting tongue; a wing extends from either side of the central mounting portion. In order to attach the panel support to one of the sets of openings, the hooks of the central mounting portion are received within the side-by-side openings of a set of openings and the tongue is snap fit into the remaining opening. A wall panel having gang nail clips may then be placed against the stud and lowered so that the clips rest on the top edges of the wings of the panel support.

Abstract: A unitary suspension clip for suspending gypsum board panels from the horizontal support member of a vertical support structure. The plate portion of the clip has panel-piercing members projecting rearwardly to affix the plate to the panel. A transverse line of weakness extends substantially across the width of the plate such that when the panel is suspended from the support member, the load applied between the support member and the plate causes the plate to bend therealong to prevent the pulling of the panel-piercing members out of the panel. A wing is formed along the edge of the plate and extends outwardly therefrom with a second line of weakness running in the same direction as the edge of the plate between the wing and the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for reduction of spondylolisthesis involving the insertion of an elongate implant which is split longitudinally into two side-by-side members, one of which is movable relative to the other, into the disk space between two misaligned vertebrae is disclosed. Each of the members is provided with teeth for engaging the adjacent vertebrae and positioned on the members so as to be located on opposite sides of the implant. The implant formed by the two side-by-side members is generally rectangularly-shaped in cross section, the height of the rectangularly-shaped cross section being less than the width so that the implant can be inserted between the adjacent vertebrae with the lesser, height dimension oriented in the same direction as the axis of the spinal column and the larger width dimension at approximately a right angle to that axis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing and moving an x-ray detector assembly in and out of the field of radiation produced by a radiation therapy simulator source while remaining affixed to the gantry of the simulator and retaining the functional attributes of a standard radiation therapy simulator cassette holder. When mounted to the simulator, the apparatus of the present invention has the ability to position an x-ray cassette in a fixed position relative to the radiation source, allow for the use of an image intensifier tube by being effectively radiolucent over the tube, and incorporating a mechanism which is capable of absorbing a degree of movement independent of the gantry while simultaneously activating a switch mechanism which can be used to stop gantry rotation, thereby preventing damage to the device or that which it contacts.

Abstract: A unitary suspension clip for suspending gypsum board panels from the horizontal channel member of an erect support structure. The plate portion of the clip has panel-piercing members projecting rearwardly to affix the plate to the panel. A transverse line of weakness extends substantially across the width of the plate such that when the panel is suspended from the channel member, the load applied between the channel member and the plate causes the plate to bend therealong to prevent the pulling of the panel-piercing members out of the panel. A wing is formed along the edge of the plate and extends outwardly therefrom with a second line of weakness running in the same direction as the edge of the plate between the wing and the plate. The wing is bent at the second line of weakness upwardly from the surface of the gypsum board panel and has an angled surface formed therein which rests on the horizontal channel member and causes the panel to be drawn into engagement with the erect support structure.