Abstract: An electrically conductive adherent film-forming adhesive which is rapidly curable thermally from a flowable liquid to an adherent and coherent solid at temperatures below about 120.degree. C. and with a specific resistivity of less than about 0.001 ohm-cm. when cured, and comprising a uniform mixture with a formulation containing a liquid epoxy base resin, a hardening component for the epoxy resin consisting essentially of B.multidot.CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H, and silver metallic powder in an amount ranging from about 75% to 85%, with the powder having a substantial uniform particle size of less than about 20 microns (0.8 mil) in diameter.

Abstract: A time-division multiplexed, data communications system allowing multiple user devices, including super computer buses configured in a local network, and other existing network hierarchies to exchange digital data over extended distances at speeds heretofore unattainable. The system includes a plurality of intelligent nodes, termed "DATApipe.TM. adapters", which are coupled to a fiber optic bus. The DATApipe adapters function as interface devices between the fiber optic bus and the I/O processors which are used to couple the user devices and networks to the DATApipe adapters.

Abstract: A weightlifting support belt is constructed of two layers of pliable material, fastened together with stitching along the layer peripheries. First and second straps, each with a D-shaped pull ring at its free end, extend longitudinally from opposite ends of a medial section of the belt. Transverse stitching lines divide the space between the layers into a series of transverse compartments spanning the width of the medial section. Flattened, helical coiled springs are contained in each compartment, acting as a flexure to stiffen the medial section while allowing localized torsional bending and arcuate flexing about axes running longitudinally of the medial section. Tape closure strips are provided on the straps for maintaining the straps in overlying relation to maintain the belt in a wrapping configuration about the lumbar region of an individual. An elastic cover strap, provided with a closure strip at its free end, overlies the outermost strap and D-shaped ring to maintain them against the inside strap.

Abstract: A device for rotating food while cooked in a microwave oven includes a metal housing supported above the oven floor by dielectric feet, and a turntable mounted above the housing. The turntable is rotatable by virtue of a turntable shaft having downwardly extended legs forming a non-circular cross-section, insertable into a similarly configured bore within a drive shaft inside the housing. A detent, pivotally mounted beneath the housing, can be pivoted manually to a locking position in which an arm of the detent engages one of several notches formed in the turntable, to prevent further turntable rotation relative to the housing. A bearing assembly between the top of the housing and the turntable includes an annular frame, and a plurality of ball bearing-containing receptacles arranged symmetrically about the frame.

Abstract: A formulation for surface coating applications, particularly surfaces which are in frequent contact with water and remain water-wet, and/or surfaces of elastomeric and plastic foams, especially foams fabricated from polyethylene and polyurethane resins. The formulation includes a vehicle consisting primarily of a block polymer of styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene and methylmethacrylate copolymer or related block polymer with lesser degrees of ethylenic unsaturation together with a rubber tackifier, with fillers being provided including particulate colloidal or powdered silicon dioxide, and glass microspheres having an average size of less than about 70 microns. The formulation is such that it is adaptable to be applied by either air pressure spray systems or aerosol packaging techniques.

Abstract: A ring-type binder for retaining loose-leaf sheets of paper is disclosed. The binder has base and top members which are slidably secured to each other. Mounted to each of these members along and projecting from an edge are a plurality of half-ring members. With this configuration the base and top members can be slid between an open position and a closed position in which the half-rings of the top member are mated with the half-rings of the base member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the incidence of product contamination during processing of the product in a vacuum chamber. By providing soft-start valves in the vacuum and vent lines, and by properly driving said soft-start valves, it is possible to reduce the gas flow rates from and into the vacuum chamber to such a low level, that dust-like particles remaining in the chamber from prior product processing steps is not disturbed and allowed to settle upon the product then being treated.

Abstract: A dual function cart convertible between a wheelbarrow-type load transporter and a vehicle towed cart. The cart comprises a frame supporting a load carrying tube, the frame including a transversing extending axle having relatively large diameter spoked wheels journaled for rotation on opposed ends of the axle. Pivotally secured to the frame is a handle assembly in the form of a rectangular loop which, when latched by a removable rod in a first position orients the handle in an upright plane where the vehicle can be operated as a wheelbarrow. Alternatively, the removable rod may be used to latch the handle in a generally horizontal plane at an elevation facilitating connection thereof by a clevis to a hitch on a towing vehicle. The cart also includes an auxiliary side member which may be secured to the tub for increasing the effective load-carrying volume of the tub.

Abstract: A catheter manifold for an angioplasty balloon catheter assembly houses a plurality of serially arranged luers. Longitudinal sections of the luers are joined by tubular connectors, and with the connectors form a central passage through the manifold. At the most distal tubular connector is a reduction in passage diameter. A plurality of elongate, longitudinally directed flutes are formed in that connector just proximal of the diameter reduction. The flutes are engaged by a guide wire insertion tube or fiber insertion tube as it is loaded into the manifold, and tend to center the tube in the passageway. The flutes tend to maintain it in coaxial relation to the passageway, while permitting fluids from the proximal luers to flow in the passageway exteriorly of the tube.

Abstract: A wood surface treatment system comprising a tandemly arranged endless abrasive cross-belt and flexible rotary abrading surface treating apparatus wherein the abrasive cross-belt portion of the system which includes a platen assembly arranged to move in an oscillatory or epicyclic pattern relative to the work surface and wherein the flexible rotary abrading portion of the apparatus includes a pair of angularly disposed rotary abraders, such as cylindrical brushes. The axis of each individual flexible rotary abrader is disposed at an acute angle, preferably 45 degrees, to the axis of the conveyor, with the individual axes being preferably disposed at 90 degrees, one to the other. The cross-belt portion of the apparatus preferably includes means for drivably oscillating the platen.

Abstract: A cardiac pacer of the type having an implantable pulse generator and electrical leads deployed in the right ventricular chamber of the heart. The lead has a stimulating electrode as well as a plurality of sensing electrodes coupled to the pulse generator. Certain control circuitry associated with the implantable pacer provides for measurement of the impedance variations occasioned by the pumping action of the heart and a differentiating circuit operatively coupled to the impedance sensing circuit for developing a control signal corresponding to the rate of change of the impedance with respect to time. This control signal may be coupled to the timing circuit of the implantable pulse generator, allowing the pacing rate to be altered in accordance with the level of physiologic activity of the person in whom the pacer is implanted.

Abstract: A surge suppressor for dampening undesired pressure surges in a fluid handling system and using a tubular, elastomeric diaphragm disposed in a hollow chamber of a housing to separate the chamber into two isolated zones, one being exposed to the fluid exhibiting undesired pressure surges and the other being pressurized with a compressible fluid. This arrangement obviates problems caused by wrinkling or folding of the generally planar diaphragm used in prior art pulsation dampeners.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the mass duplication of flexible diskettes of the type used to store programs and related data for use with word processors, computer systems, etc. A microprocessor-controlled base station, including a Kopy Module and two associated manual modules, is coupled by means of a daisy-chained bidirectional data Way to a plurality of slave stations. The Kopy Module may be used to store a plurality of possible diskette formats as well as operator-introduced copy and duplicating instructions. Blank diskettes are fed into the slaves and the blank diskettes are formatted in accordance with information supplied by the master. An especially designed translator contained within the Kopy Module allows diskettes bearing all of the commonly used data encoding techniques to be replicated. In another mode of operation, diskettes with unknown formats are analyzed, deciphered and stored for later use.

Abstract: An inflation/deflation device for an angioplasty balloon catheter which permits quick inflation to an approximate working pressure followed by a fine but slower adjustment to a final desired pressure. The device includes a housing containing a syringe of the type having a cylindrical chamber containing a piston. A specially designed plunger extends from the proximal end of the housing whereby the initial approxiate pressure can be achieved by the hand-squeezing of the plunger and a slight rotation of that plunger is used to maintain the plunger in a locked disposition. An internal shaft is disposed within the tubular plunger and its distal end is secured to the syringe's piston. The internal shaft includes a threaded segment on its exterior surface engaging a correspondingly threaded surface on the interior of the plunger such that rotation of the shaft relative to the plunger causes axial movement of the piston within the syringe.

Abstract: A rotary transfer device includes a rotating transfer disc and a valve plate overlying and concentric with the disc. A series of fluid conduits extend radially inward from the disc perimeter, or from a face of a disc near the perimeter, and are open at their inward ends to the disc top surface beneath the valve plate. An arcuate vacuum groove, and a spaced apart air pressure groove, are formed in the bottom surface of the valve plate and open to a vacuum source and pressurized air source, respectively. Rotation of the disc brings the inner end of each conduit into intermittent fluid communication with the vacuum groove at an object acquiring position where the outer end of the conduit is near the feed station. Further rotation of the disc brings the inner conduit end into fluid communcation with the pressure groove, with the outer conduit end near an object discharge position.

Abstract: A latch and release mechanism, for releasably locking a footrest assembly relative to a wheelchair frame member, includes a locking pin supported by the frame member and spring biased into engagement with the footrest assembly, and a release lever pivotally mounted to the frame member. One end of the release lever is positioned to disengage the locking pin against the spring force. At the other end of the lever is a large, flat actuator pad, located for convenient access by a wheelchair occupant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the performance and through-put of a high speed horizontal wrapping machine of the type having mechanically independently driven infeed, film drive and cut/seal head motors, each controlled by a shared programmed microprocessor whereby in the event that a product to be wrapped gets out of registration to the point where the machine's cut/seal head blades might otherwise engage the product being wrapped rather than only the film between two adjacent products, the condition is sensed and a software routine is called which causes the cut/seal heads to come to a stop in the open condition while the film tube continues to be fed until all the products, including the one out of registration and all those downstream from it, exit the wrapper, at which point the wrapper resumes its normal running mode. In this fashion, damage to the cut/seal head and associated down-time to clear the jam is avoided.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid handling pump of the type having a drive shaft for connection to a drive motor where the drive shaft extends longitudinally through a pulsation dampener affixed to the pump's housing. The pulsation dampener comprises a cup-shaped housing having a pump shaft receiving bore extending through an end wall thereof and which, when secured to the motor housing, defines a hollow chamber in fluid communication with the pump's outlet. Disposed within the hollow chamber of the pulsation dampener housing and concentric with the motor's shaft is a rigid baffle member. Surrounding that is a tubular diaphragm formed from an elastomeric material of a predetermined durometer hardness, the tubular diaphragm effectively dividing the hollow chamber into two compartments isolated from one another.

Abstract: A method for automatically detecting P-waves in a continuous electrocardiograph signal stream irrespective of the presence of P-R disassociation wherein the lower energy P-wave can meld into the higher energy R-wave. In accordance with the invention, the ECG signal stream is digitized and fed to a computer programmed to perform signal processing operations thereon. First, a basic QRS morphologic prototype is developed through coherent-averaging of a plurality of QRS complexes appearing in the signal stream. Once the prototype is established, it is aligned with the incoming ECG signal stream where a recognizable similarity exists. The prototype is multiplied by a function comprising a "window" to smooth it to zero at its right and left edges while preserving essential center shape. The resulting windowed prototype is then scaled to match in amplitude or energy content the ECG signal stream at the points of alignment.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter having a balloon-like expander located at the distal end thereof, the interior of the balloon communicating with one of the plural lumens whereby a fluid introduced at the proximal end of the catheter can be made to inflate the balloon. A series of surface electrodes are axially spaced over a zone located near the distal end of the catheter body. Electrical conductors connected to each of the surface electrodes pass through another lumen to an electrical connector at the proximal end of the catheter. A pair of stiffener members, one being co-extensive with the zone of the catheter bearing the axially spaced surface electrodes and the other being spaced a short predetermined distance proximally of the first stiffener member are in another lumen.