Abstract: A combined integrated apparatus for providing illumination and water that consists of a structural support that contains one pipe for transferring water and one pipe for conducting electricity. A light emitting device and a water-emitting nozzle are coupled to the structural support, and the apparatus is powered using electric and hydraulic energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas sensors, particularly electrochemical gas sensors. The reliability of such gas sensors has been ascertained by regular tests, which involve exposing a sensor to a gas for test or calibration purposes. However, it has been difficult to provide a known quantity or concentration of gas. Another problem has been that blockage of a gas inlet has rendered the gas sensor unreliable. The invention provides a gas sensor having a self test capability and first and second electrodes, arranged so that test gas arrives at a separate instant at each electrode so as to generate two electric currents, the ratio of which currents provides an indication of the status of at least one electrode.

Abstract: To secure a first body tissue with a second body tissue, a first anchor is moved along a first path through the first body tissue into the second body tissue. A second anchor is moved along a second path through the first body tissue into the second body tissue. A suture extending between the anchors may be tightened by moving the second anchor along a path which extends transverse to the path of the first anchor. The suture which extends between the anchors may have free ends which are connected with a suture retainer. The free ends of the suture may be interconnected either before or after the anchors are moved along the first and second paths. Alternatively, the suture may be a continuous loop which extends between the two anchors. A guide assembly may be provided to guide movement of the anchors along the two paths. The paths along which the anchors move may intersect so that the anchors may be interconnected at the intersection between the two paths.

Abstract: A novel reagent system for use with automated and semi-automated hematology analyzers including an essentially isotonic blood diluting reagent, a blood cell lysing and hemoglobin conversion reagent, and a second lysing reagent for differentiating white blood cells into classes by size and functional characteristics. The diluent reagent enhances properties for counting and sizing blood specimens, while stabilizing cellular volume and cellular integrity for many hours. The blood cell lysing reagent removes red blood cells and enables subsequent enumeration of white blood cells and simultaneous determination of hemoglobin without use of the toxic cyanide anion. The third lysing reagent and a companion quenching differentiates blood cells into classes by size and functional characteristics, based on d.c. impedance volume, conductivity/opacity and light scatter measurements. The companion quenching reagent adjusts pH and conductivity of the final measurement solution to match the analyzer system requirements.

Abstract: A method of using body tissue includes obtaining graft tissue. A medicinal substance is added to the graft tissue. The graft tissue is shaped to a predetermined configuration while the graft tissue is outside of a patient's body. The graft tissue is moved into the patient's body while the graft tissue has the predetermined configuration. While the graft tissue is in the patient's body, the graft tissue is allowed to expand and absorb liquid from the patient's body. A mechanical interlock may be established between the graft tissue and tissue in the patient's body during expansion of the graft tissue and absorption of liquid from the patient's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for materials requirements planning that implements a client/server computer network with an algorithm which enables receiving and preserving input data from the client in a stateless protocol in the server, the input data from a client is preprocessed to determine the MPR state, and stored for each client in the server in a separate side container using stateless protocols. A side container containing a client's data is accessed by distinct SQL and VB code routines to perform specific reports, modification of a required materials order and/or adjustment of material availability for use dates. The preprocessing arranges the input data into record sets of all scheduled material requirements, all currently available and required materials and all unfulfilled ordered materials. The preprocessing is executed via SQL, and the processing is executed via executable code into a temporary record set that is placed into a storage container.

Abstract: A device for controlling the operation of a vehicle battery exhibits two current paths for connecting the battery to the vehicle electrical system. Here, the first current path allows current to flow in both directions and the second current path only allows a charging current to flow from the vehicle electrical system to the battery. In addition, the first current path contains a switch which is only closed when the voltage at the generator connection is less than a predetermined value. Apart from this, a measuring device which measures a change in the state of charge of the battery, a storage device which stores the instantaneous state of charge of the battery, and a checking device which checks a predetermined electrical criterion for the maximum attainable state of charge of the battery, are provided.

Abstract: Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their entire lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has a pointed end portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes wires having cores which are enclosed by jackets. The jackets are integrally formed as one piece with a sheath of the cannula. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring a system in which a fluid flows and which is characterized by a change in the system with time in space. A preselected place in the system is monitored to collect data at two or more time points correlated to a system event. The data is indicative of a system parameter that varies with time as a function of at least two variables related to system wash-in and wash-out behavior. A calibration map is made on a calculated basis with each pixel or voxel representative of a color hue indicative of wash-out behavior and a color intensity indicative of wash-in behavior. When a sastisfactory map is obtained, the collected data is processed on the basis of the map to obtain an image of the preselected place with each spatial unit thereof correlated with a color hue and a color intensity. Software and a data processing system are provided to develop the calibration map. The calibration map and image of the preselected place are also novel implementations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of engaging tissue that, for example, can be used to guide a surgical instrument or other implement. An inflatable element is positioned in a patient's body, the flow of fluid to the inflatable element is controlled with a microprocessor, and tissue is engaged in the patient's body with the inflatable element as it is inflated. The inflatable element can be accordion shaped or can include a number of inflatable elements. Additionally, the inflatable element can be guided with a guidance system as the inflatable element is inflated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for factoring large numbers which utilizes an optoelectronic device that has a wafer at one end that contains a plurality of LEDs. Each LED is associated with at least one period pj and at least one delay dj. A clock drives the plurality of LEDs responsive to clock cycles to flash for one clock cycle at times described by the processing pj•r+dl for r≧0. The light intensity flashed by the LEDs is controlled by a filter to be proportional to log2 (pj), and a photodetector positioned at the other end of the cylinder collects the light flashed by the LEDs.

Abstract: A motor vehicle cockpit is prefabricated and contains a flat shaped piece serving as a mounting plate for a visible shell, a heating or air-conditioning system and operational elements. An impact protection is formed by a box-section of the motor vehicle body that extends under the front edge of the windscreen and a cross-member. The impact protection is completed by the flat shaped piece that couples to the box-section and the cross-member, preferably coupled with a linear introduction of force. In the event of a vehicle frontal impact, the flat shaped piece and coupled box-section and cross-member absorb the energy of impact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation device for a piston for a cartridge. The ventilation device includes a first piston part which rests sealingly against the cartridge wall and a second piston part, which forms a valve with the first piston part. The valve opens when a pressure is exerted on the rear side of the piston so that the air is trapped between the filling composition and the piston can escape. According to the invention, a filter section is provided in front of the valve, between the two piston parts, as seen from the flow path of the air through the valve. This filter section has at least one narrow channel which forms a penetration barrier for the filling mass and ensures that the valve remains dry and free of dirt.

Abstract: A radioactive seed handling device for handling a number of radioactive seeds. The device includes a first tubular section having a first lumen with a first diameter larger than the seed diameter for receiving the seed and a second tubular section coupled to the first tubular section and having a second lumen with a second diameter smaller than the seed diameter for preventing seeds from entering the second lumen. An overlapping portion of the second tubular section is located within the first lumen of the first tubular section and has a vent that allows fluid flow into the second lumen when a seed is obstructing a distal end of the second tubular section. The device can be used, for example, in a system to load the seeds into an implant for delivery of radiation in or around cancerous growths.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is utilized to effect relative movement between bones in a body of a patient. The orthosis includes a base section which is connected with a trunk of a patient's body, an upper arm section which is connected with an upper portion of an arm of the patient, and a lower arm section which is connected with a lower portion of the arm of a patient. An interconnection between the base section and upper arm section of the orthosis is disposed beneath an axilla between the trunk and arm of the patient. A main drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower arm section of the orthosis relative to the upper arm section of the orthosis to pivot a humerus bone in the upper arm of the patient relative to a scapula bone in a shoulder of the patient. A secondary drive assembly is operable to move the lower arm section and upper arm section relative to the base section of the orthosis to move the upper arm of the patient into alignment with the shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: A device for reading an elongate magnetic data carrier attached to or embedded in an article, having an active read head adapted to have a lateral extent greater than the width of the data carrier, preferably four times greater, such that the magnetic field produced by the read head results in a signal from the data carrier which has an amplitude which varies by less than 50% for head to data carrier spacings of from 0 to 60 microns. A wide read head can also make the reading of data more reproducible when reading narrow tracks using swipe readers, where precise alignment is difficult to achieve.