Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source which includes an energized ground lead are described. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect electrical energy in the ground lead combined with a miswiring condition in the hot and common leads. A tester embodiment is also illustrated. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is energized and whether the hot and common leads are reversed.

Abstract: An improved cryogenic specimen holder for imaging and analysis facilitates imaging at very high tilt angles with a large field of view. A retractable specimen holder tip protects the specimen during transport. An optimized Dewar design is positioned at a fixed, tilted angle with respect to the axis of the holder, providing a means of continuously cooling the specimen irrespective of the high tilt angle and the amount of liquid nitrogen present in the vessel. The Dewar neck design reduces the entrapment of nitrogen gas bubbles and its shape prevents the spilling of liquid nitrogen at high tilt angles. The specimen holder has a retractable tip that completely encapsulates the specimen within a shielded environment internal to the specimen holder body. The cooling and specimen transfer mechanisms reduce thermal drift and the detrimental effects of vibrations generated by both the evaporation of liquid nitrogen present in the Dewar as well as other environmental effects.

Abstract: A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip.

Abstract: A text entry device is provided. The device includes a concentric and at least four groupings of letters located around the concentric. The groupings may include at least three keys that are each located at a different radial distance from the concentric. The first grouping may include the letters A, B, C and D; the second grouping may include the letters E, F, G and H; the third grouping may include the letters I, J, K and L; and the fourth grouping may include the letters O, M, N and P.

Abstract: An electrical monitoring device for monitoring an electrically powered device is provided. The monitoring device includes a frame for placement onto a conductor of the electrically powered device. A sensor is present for detecting the amount of current passing through the conductor. Also, a display may be provided for indicating to the user parameters of the electrically powered device that are indicative of the current passing through the conductor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, especially in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide an elongated clearing member having a first end that is coupled to a driving mechanism and having a second working end that is subjected to repetitive motion for clearing blockages within the artificial tube. The elongated clearing member includes either a fixed or an adjustable element that selectively defines the portion of the elongated clearing member that is insertable within the artificial tube. The proximal end of the clearing member is releasably secured to the driving mechanism and the driving mechanisms may comprise a wide variety of repetitive motion drivers such as voice coil motors, piezoelectric actuators, pneumatic actuators, DC motors, etc. These devices/methods may comprise a free-standing console for hands-free operation or may comprise hand-held versions.

Abstract: A meat trussing system is provided which incorporates the use of an elastomeric net to receive and restrain meats and other food components, both unitary and combinations including independent meat and/or food elements. At least one flexible wrapper is provided into which the meat and/or food products are encased forming a cylindrical circumferential wrap having a low coefficient of friction with respect to the elastomeric net. The wrapper permits a relatively easy insertion of the wrapped food products into the elastomeric net. The wrapper is preferably provided with at least one perforation adapted to be circumferentially disposed near the midpoint of the food products within the elastomeric net. A method of use includes the deformation of the meat and/or food product. In order to sever the perforation which permits the relatively easy removal of the now separated wrapper portions from between the meat and/or food products and the elastomeric net.

Abstract: An in situ optical specimen holder is disclosed which may be utilized for imaging and analysis during dynamic experimentation. This holder assembly includes a set of focusing and reflection optics along with an environmental cell. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to optically excite the specimen in the presence or absence of fluid. A highly reflective mirror may be used to focus the radiation on to the specimen without the presence of any heating components within the cell. The spot size of the irradiation at the specimen surface can be varied, thus exciting only a specific region on the specimen. The window type cell provides a variable fluid path length ranging from the specimen thickness to 500 ?m. The holder has the provision to continuously circulate fluids over the specimen. The pressure within the cell can be regulated by controlling the flow rate of the fluids and the speed of the pumps.

Abstract: An expansion joint for a modular flooring system in disclosed, which includes the slidable engagement of two subsections of the expansion joint. The expansion joint is sized such that it is equivalent in overall dimension to the intended adjacent modular floor tiles of which it will form a part within a matrix of such interlocked modular floor tiles. The expansion joint is provided with at least one slot on one module, corresponding to at least one locking pin on the other module. The slot receives and restrains the locking pin and permits the slidable engagement along the longitudinal axes thereof.

Abstract: A hand-held torch includes a housing. A fuel flow path is defined within the housing. A plunger is movable within the housing to control fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An engagement portion is coupled to the plunger. A latching element is movable to engage the engagement portion when the plunger is positioned to allow fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An actuator is coupled to the latching element and exposed for manipulation by a user to move the latching element into engagement with the engagement portion.

Abstract: The Access Door Lever is a device which provides an easier way to open a door with a traditional doorknob. In one embodiment, the invention will fit over a traditional doorknob, snap in place with finger-like extensions, which will grip the doorknob. The extension is coated with a material which will provide a secure grip between the doorknob and extension. The design and location of the extension(s) allow for a snug fit with the doorknob. A handle which is connected to the extension(s) allow the invention to function as a lever on the doorknob.

Abstract: A rotatable, portable drum auger drain cleaning device includes a rotational control which is biased towards the off position. The rotational control device is utilized in conjunction with a motor and the drum to direct drum rotation. The rotational control is typically biased in the off position making it the default position. The rotational control must therefore be manually moved to either a forward or reverse position. When in the forward position, the rotational control can be locked, and when in the reverse position, the switch must be manually held in position or the switch will return to the off position.

Abstract: A system and method for commercial food management. Nutritional information for identified food items is stored on a central server, along with recipes using the food items. Each recipe is assigned a diet type, and using the nutritional information, menus for a requested diet type are prepared.