Abstract: This invention is a separator-conveyor that uses a scissors action to cut stems, roots, vines and other debris from a crop being harvested and processed. This is accomplished by providing a plurality of multi-sided rollers having sharp edges disposed alternately at an angle to adjacent rollers causing a scissors type cutting action that starts at one end of such rollers and continues to the other end. A plurality of the scissors action separator-conveyors can be used in conjunction with drying systems on a crop harvester-processor. This harvester-processor allows root crops such as peanuts to be harvested, cleaned, dried and graded in one continuous operation.

Abstract: A thermal insulated concrete forming system for casting a concrete slab and a foundation wall of a building simultaneously is disclosed. The concrete forming system is designed for use with a pre-existing standard concrete footing that is constructed about the periphery of a concrete slab to be poured. The concrete forming system consists of a plurality of elongated, rectangular panels which are arranged in parallel, vertically opposed relation. The panels are fabricated from thermal-insulating materials having exceptional insulating characteristics capable of being expressed as a specific R value in accordance with commercial specifications. The thermal-insulated panels are interconnected by a plurality of brace members extending therebetween and being spaced at predetermined intervals so as to provide a form work for concrete to be cast therein.

Abstract: This invention is a method of using the Magnet Center of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, commonly referred to as MRI, as the common reference point to accurately film image an area of concern for parallel axial, sagittal and coronal parallel slices. The perpendicular axis of each of the parallel slices of film images from all three of the mutually perpendicular slices passes through Magnet Center of the MRI. Upon determination of the number of film image slices in each stack, the position of the first slice with respect to Magnet Center, and the thickness of each slice has been determined, this data is entered into a computer capable of producing three-dimensional images. Using the entered data and positioning lasers, the original position during scanning can be accurately reproduced in the simulator suite or room as well as in the Treatment room.

Abstract: A self-contained biological indicator for evaluating the efficacy of sterilization processes utilizing hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid plasma and vapor as the sterilant is disclosed. The self-contained biological indicator includes a translucent, vapor-permeable, container including a source of dormant microorganisms, a sealed ampule containing a culture medium that is capable of promoting the growth of surviving microorganisms, a neutralizing tablet that is capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide sterilant, and an actuating mechanism that permits mixture of the source of microorganisms, culture medium and the hydrogen peroxide neutralizing tablet to be brought into contact from the exterior of the indicator. In one embodiment the self-contained biological indicator is comprised of a plurality of generally cylindrical, telescoping vials being operable from an unsealed, sterilization test configuration to a sealed and activated configuration for incubation.

Abstract: A post-operative brassiere for use by female patients following cardio-thoracic surgery is disclosed. The post-operative brassiere includes a first breast support cup and a second breast support cup being interconnected by a support strap which is worn about the neck and shoulders of the wearer so as to form an open gap between the first and second breast support cups over the area of the wearer's sternum whereon a surgical incision is located. The conventional torso encircling straps which overlie the sternum in brassieres of the prior art are eliminated. The post-operative brassiere allows access to the incision for routine examination and nursing care while providing adequate support to the wearer's breasts. In one embodiment the breast support cups include elastic panels disposed about the peripheral edges thereof to secure the same in position.

Abstract: A disposable urine collection device for use by pet owners and veterinarians on small animals such as dogs is disclosed. The urine collection device of the present invention is formed from opposed sheets of a flexible plastic material such as polyethylene being hermetically sealed about the peripheral edges of thereof to form a collection bag. The collection bag is provided with a continuous pressure actuated closure at the top of the bag so as to retain a urine specimen in a sanitary manner. A supporter including a plurality of upwardly extending leg bands is integrally formed with the collection bag to secure the device about the hind quarters of the dog or other animal. In one embodiment the elongated leg bands are adapted to be hand tied about the girth and hind quarters of the animal. In an alternative embodiment the leg bands are provided with detachable fasteners which are utilized to attach the urine collection device of the present invention in its functional position.

Abstract: A small caliber laser-guided bullet having a self-contained guidance system is disclosed including on-board laser sensors and navigational circuits capable of detecting a laser target signature, determining the deviation of the bullet from an optimum projectory along which the bullet would impact a hostile target, and generating an electrical signal to piezo electric steering control surfaces to effect a change in the course of the bullet. The guided bullet utilizes a plurality of symmetrically-arranged laser sensor elements which are positioned about a longitudinal axis of the bullet. The laser sensor elements function to transmit optical radiation from the laser target beam to photo detector elements housed within the bullet. The electrical signals from the photo detector elements are then amplified and processed by semiconductor logic circuits to produce the functions required by the steering control surfaces to translate the bullet to the optimum trajectory.

Abstract: A multi-media librarial storage system including a plurality of individual book-like storage containers is described. Each individual book-like storage container within the system is adapted to receive a plurality of interchangeable receiver inserts configured and dimensioned to retain a variety of multi-media cassette packages such as the common Philips audio cassette, video tape packages of the familiar VHS, VHS-C/8mm video cassettes, digital audio tape (DAT) cassettes, CD-ROMs, computer software diskettes, and other related multi-media items. The receiver inserts disposed within the storage containers are fabricated from sheets of foldable materials such as paperboard using cut and fold techniques common to the packaging industry. Interchangeability among a plurality of differently configured and dimensioned receiver inserts is achieved by the use of integral locking tabs formed on the receiver inserts which are installed within mating slots formed within the individual storage containers.