Abstract: A hollow flanged joist comprises a center web section and top and bottom flange sections containing hollow channels. The center web section has two parallel vertical webs and at least one horizontal web extending perpendicularly between the vertical webs. The top and bottom flange sections each extend outwardly and perpendicularly from each end of the center web section and consist of a horizontal end web, two vertical side webs extending inwardly from the far ends of the end web, two horizontal inner webs extending between the inner ends of the side webs and center vertical webs, and, optionally, a number of vertical support webs extending between the end web and the outermost center horizontal web or the inner webs. Preferably, the hollow flanged joist is made from moisture resistant materials and is dimensioned comparably to wooden joists.

Abstract: A process for the production of oxygenated C2 hydrocarbons from cellulose is disclosed. The input cellulose waste is gasified using steam in the absence of air and the primary gaseous products of carbon monoxide and hydrogen are subjected to heat, pressure, and catalysts to form methyl alcohol. Carbon monoxide is added to the methyl alcohol and further subjected to heat, pressure and catalysts to form acetic acid. The acetic acid is purified using a distillation tower, and removed for sale. Output production is increased by adding further carbon monoxide and hydrogen from burners used to heat the gasifiers. Further carbon monoxide and hydrogen are also produced by steam gasification of the carbon residue to promote a water/gas shift. These gases are fed into the gas stream produced by the gasification of cellulose, and provide more feedstock for the reactions.

Abstract: A control system is adapted for use In association with a therapeutic motion and splinting device. The therapeutic device has at least one component that is monitored. The system comprises the steps of defining the range of motion, defining the maximum reverse on load, monitoring the reverse on load and moving the device through its range of motion. A first and second maximum limit of range of motion in a first and second direction are respectively defined. A maximum reverse on load is defined and is monitored whereby the deformation of the at least one component is monitored and the load created is interpreted. The device is cycled between a first and second position defined by one of the first maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load and one of the second maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load respectively.

Abstract: A method for conducting clinical trials for a medication uses a unique identifier, a clock and an smart memory associated with the medication. Information regarding a method of calculating a next take time is received. It is determined if an identifier field on the smart memory is empty and, if empty, the unique identifier is written onto the smart memory. If not empty, it is determined if the identifier in the identifier field is not the unique identifier and if not then exiting. On the other hand, if the unique identifier is present in the identifier field, then calculating the next take time; storing a next take time; and prompting at the next take time. The time on the clock is stored as a take time. In addition, a subject diary form is displayed and subject information in regard to subject diary form is stored.

Abstract: A paper shredder for cutting sheet material includes a first and second blade and a sheet feeding assembly. The first blade has a cutting edge along one side thereof and the cutting edge has a non-straight profile. The second blade has a cutting edge that meshes with the cutting edge of the first blade and the first and second blades are movable relative to each other. The sheet feeding assembly moves the sheet material towards the first and second blade such that the direction of motion is generally orthogonal to each cutting edge. The cutting edge profile may have a variety of shapes, including a zig zag, a wave or a combination thereof. The paper shredder is used for making packing material that includes a plurality of pieces of shredded generally planar sheet material, each piece having two elongate outside edges with non-straight profiles.

Abstract: A lint collector and safety system for the clothes dryer. The lint collector removes lint. The safety system determines whether the flow of exhaust air is above a pre-set level, and causes an interruption of electrical power to the clothes dryer if there is not. The invention provides for more efficient drying of clothes and reduces risk of fires. The system may also include an interruption of electrical power for other malfunctions of clothes dryer.

Abstract: A turbine motor of the present invention includes a noise reduction system. The turbine motor includes a housing, a motor, a cooling fan, an air intake assembly, an exhaust assembly, an air intake motor cover assembly and a conduit. The motor is positioned in the housing and the motor has an air intake. The cooling fan is attached to the motor and is for cooling it. The air intake assembly is proximate to the cooling fan and is attached to the housing. The exhaust assembly is proximate to the cooling fan and is attached to the housing. The air intake motor cover assembly is proximate to the air intake on the motor and is attached to the housing. The conduit extends between the air intake assembly and the air intake motor cover.

Abstract: A limb-positioning device is adapted for use in an operating room and is attachable to an operating room table. The limb-positioning device includes a full motion arm, a patient-receiving surgical device and a tension controller. The full motion arm has a plurality of pivotally connected arms with a plurality of joints therebetween. One end of the full motion arm is adapted to be attached to an operating room table. The patient-receiving surgical device is attached to a block joint at the distal end of the full motion arm. There is a tension controller for each joint. Preferably the tension controller concurrently controls the tension in each joint. The patient-receiving surgical device may be a forearm tray, a lower leg tray, a distraction harness or a Chinese finger trap assembly. There is provided a method of using the limb-positioning device. In addition, a patient-receiving surgical device includes a patient-receiving portion and a bar attached thereto.

Abstract: A plug cutter is for use in association with a drill, drill press and the like and is for producing a plug. The plug cutter includes a shank, a body portion, an outside cutter and an inside cutter. The shank has a longitudinal axis and is adapted to engage the drill. The body portion is integrally attached to the shank and extends downwardly therefrom. The outside cutter extends downwardly from the body portion and the inside cutter extends downwardly from the body portion and is spaced from the outside cutter. The outside cutter may have an outside cutting edge with a positive rake. The inside cutter may have an inside cutting edge with a positive rake.

Abstract: A bioinert implantable shunt device useful for controlling internal pressure includes a valve apparatus, a device for attaching the valve apparatus and an inlet tube. The valve apparatus includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a flexible tube connected therebetween and a pressurized enclosure. The flexible tube is positioned inside the pressurized enclosure whereby fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port is dependent on a differential pressure between a pressure in the flexible tube and a pressure outside the flexible tube in the pressurized enclosure. The inlet tube is connected to the inlet port of the valve apparatus. The pressurized enclosure may include a housing and a semi-permeable membrane in a wall of the housing whereby fluid can pass through the semi-permeable membrane into the pressurized enclosure thereby increasing the pressure in the pressurized enclosure. The implantable shunt device may be for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: An electromagnetic sensing apparatus which has an electromagnetic transmitter, at least one receiver device, at least one calibration device, a switch and a processor. The transmitter generates a transmitter signal. The receiver device is spaced from the transmitter, senses an electromagnetic field proximate thereto and generates a receiver signal. The calibration device senses an electromagnetic field proximate thereto and generates a calibration signal. The calibration device is positioned such that the distance between the transmitter and the receiver device is greater than the distance between the transmitter and the calibration device. The switch is connected between the receiver device and the calibration device. The processor includes a first input for receiving a signal from one of the at least one receiver device and the calibration device and a second input for receiving a signal from the switch and compares the first input and second input and monitors distortions in the transmitter signal.

Abstract: A stopper (30) for use with an individual beverage container (40) is disclosed. The stopper has a generally tubular side wall (32) with an upper edge and a lower edge. The side wall is dimensioned to fit snugly in the neck (50) of the beverage container with a pressure fit. A bottom (34) extends inwardly from the side wall. A flat upper portion is integrally attached to the bottom and is spaced upwardly from the bottom. An aperture (36) is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. In addition, a vent hole (38) is formed in the bottom or the flat upper portion. Preferably the flat upper portion is spaced from the side walls thereby forming a trough therebetween. Preferably the aperture is formed in the bottom and dimensioned to receive a straw (58) snugly therethrough.

Abstract: Sun sensors or position sensors may be used to determine the angular location of the sun or other object with respect to the sensor. The sun sensor provides high resolution over a wide field of regard. A position or sun sensor comprises a sensor housing, a plurality of pinholes formed In the sensor housing, a detector mounted within the housing and a method of processing the information detected. The detector is mounted in the sensor housing. Each pinhole has a field of view and the detector receives the images from each field of view. Each field of view is defined by the position of the pinhole relative to the detector. The images are received in an overlay relationship thereby providing a field of regard. The processing method determines the presence and location of an object In a field of regard.

Abstract: A confectionary dispenser of the present invention is for use in association with a confectionary. The dispenser includes a body, a movable trigger, a removable internal channel and a feeder mechanism. The trigger is movably attached to the body and has an at rest position and an end of stroke position. The removable internal channel is removably attached to the body. The removable internal channel has an exit opening and is adapted to receive the confectionary. The feeder mechanism is operably attached to the trigger for operably advancing the confectionary into the removable internal channel when the trigger is moved from the at rest position towards the end of stroke position. The confectionary dispenser may include a device for controlling the confectionary that is extruded from the channel at the exit opening. Preferably the confectionary dispenser includes a heater attached to the body which is adapted to heat the confectionary in the removable internal channel.

Abstract: A liquid container of plastic coated boxboard, laminated cardboard or the like having a straw therein is disclosed. The container includes a container body, a holder, a straw and a seal. The container has an interior volume and a plurality of exterior walls. The holder is mounted with a liquid and gas tight seal in an exterior wall. The holder has an aperture formed therein. A straw extends through the aperture in the holder with a snug fit. The straw has a stowed position and an in use position. The seal is for sealing the straw in the stowed position with a liquid and gas tight seal thereby sealing the liquid inside the container. A method of manufacturing the container with a straw therein in a continuous form, fill and sealing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foam dispenser for use in association with foaming liquid is disclosed. The squeeze operated foam dispenser includes a resiliently deformable bottle and a cap. The resiliently deformable bottle has an at rest position and an under pressure position. The bottle has an interior and a throat. The cap is attached to the throat and the cap has a nozzle extending inwardly into the interior of the bottle. The nozzle defines a nozzle fluid passageway. A nozzle cover is attached to the cap and spaced from the nozzle and a cap chamber is defined therebetween. An air tube defining an air passageway extends inwardly from the nozzle cover and the air passageway is in communication with the cap chamber and an interior portion of air formed between the liquid and the bottle in the interior thereof when the nozzle is positioned downwardly.

Abstract: A modified Forstner type drill bit includes a shank and a drill head. The drill head includes a center brad, first and second radial cutters, first and second following rims and first and second chip channels. The center brad defines a longitudinal direction. The first and second of radial cutters extend radially from the center brad. The first and second following rims extend circumferentially from and following from in the direction of rotation the distal end of the first and second radial cutters respectively. Each following rim is divided into a plurality of segments, each have a top portion. The top portion of the segments of each following rim are generally in the same plane. The first and second chip channels are positioned adjacent to and before in the direction of rotation the first and second radial cutters respectively. The first and second chip channels are between the one of the first and second radial cutter and the second and first following rims.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid container of plastic coated boxboard, laminated cardboard or the like having a straw therein is disclosed. A method for attaching a holder/straw assembly to a carton in a continuous form, fill and seal process including the following steps: unrolling a rolled sheet material being comprised of a plurality of carton sections, each carton section having a hole formed therein; sealingly attaching the holder/straw assembly to the sheet material over said hole; attaching a strip to the holder/straw assembly; forming the sheet into a columnar sleeve; sealing a longitudinal seal along the columnar sleeve; adding the beverage into the sealed columnar sleeve; forming a top and bottom transverse seal across the columnar sleeve and through the beverage; cutting each carton from the columnar sleeve; and forming a parallelepipedic carton having a drinking straw therein.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a gantry robot and an elevator unit. The gantry robot includes a head assembly, a work-space spaced below the head assembly for receiving at least one tray and a device for moving the head assembly in the X, Y and Z directions. The gantry robot further includes a device for scanning the work-space. The elevator unit has a plurality of shelves arranged in a series one above another. Each shelf is adapted to receive at least one tray and the shelves are movable in the Z direction. A device for moving a tray between the elevator unit and the work-space is included. A control system for controlling the movement of the head assembly in the X, Y and Z direction, for controlling the movement of the shelves in the Z direction and for controlling the tray moving device is operably connected to the gantry robot and the elevator unit.