Abstract: Apparatus is provided including first and second chambers, adapted to be in fluid communication with first and second volumes of oxygenated blood of a subject, respectively, the first and second chambers having first and second surfaces, respectively. A third surface is adapted to apply an elastically-derived force, at least a first and second portions of the third surface in mechanical communication with, respectively, the first and second surfaces, during at least a portion of a cardiac cycle. A pressure-sensitive valve is coupled between the first and second chambers, the valve adapted: (a) to be in an open position during at least a portion of systole, such that the first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber; and (b) to be in a substantially closed position during diastole, such that the first chamber is substantially not in fluid communication with the second chamber. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A chewable softgel formulation to deliver water soluble vitamins and supplements to improve dissolution time and availability. The formulation contains components design for the elimination and prevention of dental caries, bad breath, gingivitis and also inner ear infections.

Abstract: A container fixant applicator configured to complement target fixing zones of a container. Caulk is introduced into a container, over portions of the container intended to be fixed. The caulk is activated, flowing between the target surfaces. The caulk cures, fixing the container. The wafer substantially retains its configuration during the fixing of the container. The wafer is configured so that it may not pass through the pour spout of a gable top-type container. Methods for producing and applying the container fixant applicator are also provided.

Abstract: A method of improving heat-seals for polyolefin polymers which are coated onto a paperboard substrate. The method obviates the need for use of a curable bonding agent. The materials are exposed to high energy radiation prior to formation of the heat seal to induce crosslinking of the poller and thereby increase the average molecular weight of same.

Abstract: A zero-pressure accumulating conveyor including a bed defined by rotatable rollers mounted in parallel sidewalls and powered by an endless drive chain. Pneumatic actuators lift the drive chain into engagement with the rollers to empower same. Sensor rollers divide the bed into distinct zones. Sensor rollers are retained in operative position relative to the conveyor bed by unique sensor brackets. A primary sensor roller bracket includes a bore with a piston movable there within; the cooperating secondary sensor roller bracket is spring biased in a first direction. Valves, and pneumatic circuitry controlled by such valves, extend along the length of the conveyor. Such valves are operated by the primary sensor roller brackets to regulate the flow of air pressure into the bores of the brackets and into the actuators. The actuators, when the pressure therein is bled-off, allow the chain in a particular zone to drop out of contact with the rotatable rollers.

Abstract: A degradable agricultural ground cover which is composed of high density polyethylene polymer fiber and cellulose pulp which is 100% photo and biodegradable for use in weed control and moisture retention in soil. The unique agricultural mat or cover lasts 8-12 weeks before serious photo and biodegradability occurs, while allowing crop plants sufficient time to mature and produce. The sheet totally disappears with plowing and tilling, becoming a soil extender until complete degradation occurs.

Abstract: A rack and screen assembly for converting gas grilles into charcoal and/or wood burning stations. The assembly is fabricated from high temperature stainless steel, so that the assembly, when heated to its cooking temperature, retains such elevated temperature for an extended period of time. The rack includes an open frame with runner legs at its lower end, that sit atop the cylindrical tubes of conventional gas grilles. Braces extend transversely across the open frame to reinforce same, and ledges are defined at the upper ends of the open frame. The perforated metal screen is inserted into the upper end of the frame until the screen rests upon the ledges. When the screen is damaged, or wears out, the damaged screen is lifted out of the frame and replaced, manually, in a simple fashion and without resort to manual tools.

Abstract: A grinding machine provided with a spindle rotating under the influence of a cantilever mounted rare earth permanent magnet motor. Hydrostatic fluid film bearings are provided between the ends of the spindle and a bronze bearing to support the spindle in such a manner so as to eliminate wear. A single oil reservoir is used to supply oil to the hydrostatic bearings, as well as to the cooling jacket of the motor.

Abstract: A tap connector provided with upper and lower body portions, each of the body portions including opposed concave seating surfaces adapted to hold a conductor having a first diameter. The upper and lower portions are provided with a tongue and groove combination parallel to the concave seating surfaces to hold a conductor having a second diameter less in size than the first diameter. This tongue and groove combination provides an anti-rotating feature.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for harvesting seed which includes a frame and a housing defining a seed box and having a rotary brush mounted on a forward portion thereof which is connected to link bars which are in turn connected to the frame. Corresponding pairs of link bars are attached between the frame and housing on opposite sides of the apparatus, the link bars on each side being substantially parallel to each other. Means are provided for varying the angle of the link bars to the frame, the link bars operationally functioning as a parallelogram to raise or lower the housing at a constant angle relative to the frame. A draw bar is pivotably connected to the front of the frame and tilt angle adjustment means are provided to vary the angle between the frame and the draw bar thereby providing an independent means for varying the angle of attack of the rotary brush to the plants from which seed is being collected.

Abstract: A grounding clamp for permitting the grounding of an electrical cable provided with a 2-hole compression connector allowing the grounding of this cable to a metallic pipe. A mechanical clamp provided with a saddle portion and one or more U-bolts is mounted to the pipe. The mechanical clamp is provided with a mounting pad onto which the compression conductor is also mounted. A connection system is provided between the mounting pad and the compression lug allowing the electrical cable to be angled at different directions with respect to the metallic pipe.

Abstract: A grounding connector capable of being clamped by compression forces to a tapered metallic flange of an I-beam. The grounding connector is rectangular when viewed in side elevation and has an upwardly opening, tapered slot that accepts the metal flange. Threaded holes extend upwardly from the bottom of the connector to allow contact screws to be advanced therethrough to establish contact therewith. The need for brazing or welding a connector to the flange is eliminated.

Abstract: A crimping tool comprises a pair of handles, crimping jaws, dies, and/or die nests, positioned at one end of the handles and in alignment with each other to receive a connector therebetween, a linkage extending between the handles and joining same together such that one handle pivots relative to the other and forces the jaws, dies, and/or die nests toward each other. A rotatable die wheel, with dies, of different sizes and shapes, is located at the forward end of one handle, in alignment with the working surface of a crimping jaw secured to the forward end of a second handle. The die wheel has a plurality of passages extending transversely therethrough. A chamber is formed in one of the handles, and a ball is placed therein. A strap, formed of spring steel, is secured to one of the handles and exerts a biasing force upon the ball.

Abstract: An H-shaped compressible connector having a main body and two pairs of opposed legs extending in opposite directions from the main body. Each pair of opposed legs is provided with one leg which is curved inwardly with respect to the second leg. During the crimping process, this curved leg would move below the interior surface of the second leg in each pair, thereby providing a completely closed connector for various conductor sizes.

Abstract: A compressible electrical connector having slots or channels for the inclusion of two or more conductors therein. One or more surfaces of the connector are provided with an extruded groove having a tying device press-fitted therein. After the conductors are inserted into the various slots or channels of the connector, the tying device would be tied or twisted around each end of the conductor bundles prior to implementing the crimping process.

Abstract: A switchmode DC to AC converter, and particularly a master-slave half-bridge converter. The slave half-bridge power converter is controlled by a lower power self-oscillating half-bridge master converter. More particularly, the invention pertains to a high frequency ballast for gas discharge devices, especially, for high pressure sodium lamps, completed by a high voltage ignition apparatus.

Abstract: Several embodiments of ammunition supply indicating systems for firearms are disclosed. Each system (1) counts, either automatically or manually, the number of rounds in a magazine introduced into the firearm, (2) detects the movement of a reciprocally movable slide in the firearm to increment a count of "one" for the round entering the firing chamber, and (3) electronically combines the two digits, and (4) displays same on a display panel. The display panel is situated in a thin housing secured to the firearm along the line of sight of the user. A running total of the number of rounds remaining in the firearm is visible to the user. Slide movement may be detected by magnetic, mechanical, optical, or electrical devices, while the number of rounds remaining in the magazine may be monitored by position switches operated by the follower within the magazine.

Abstract: An electrical connector characterized by a receptacle containing a plurality of female contacts having redundant contact portions and wiping capabilities with respect to male pins adapted to be inserted into the receptacle. Depending contact portions on the female contacts allow th receptacle to be separably electrically connected to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A float/guide member is provided with contact receiving cavities for receiving the contact members of an electrical connector. The contact receiving cavities are provided with a portion which is oversized with respect to the size of the contact members, thereby allowing the electrical connector to float laterally with respect to the float/guide member by floating or bending of the contact members within the enlarged portions of the contact receiving cavities.

Abstract: A prefabricated bridge framework for producing tooth-replacement bridges consists of a support bar to bridge over a gap between teeth and connecting elements for placing the support bar on bridge pillars. The bridge framework as a whole is made of a dental alloy and is capable of being adjusted automatically to the length of a gap between teeth by changing the length of the support bar. Reinforcing ribs are provided on the bottom of the support bar. This bridge framework makes superfluous the manual construction of a wax model of a framework and the subsequent casting in metal that have been required up to now. This bridge framework is always made the same qualitatively, and guarantees that the production of tooth-replacement bridges will be considerably simpler and quicker.