Abstract: The present invention is a filter system self contained within a treatment room for a medical procedure. The filter system is partially incorporated into a standard surgical arm. The filter is mounted on the control unit of the surgical arm, which is at the free end of the surgical arm. A vacuum device to create airflow through the filter is located distant from the filter, but still within the treatment room. The vacuum device is adapted to exhaust either into a portion of the treatment or the HVAC system of the facility in which the treatment room resides. Controls for the filter system are also incorporated into the control unit of the surgical arm.

Abstract: A driven hinge (20) has fixed and movable hinge sections (21, 28) that are arranged to be selectively rotated relative to one another about an axis (x.sub.1 --x.sub.1) between first and second relative angular positions.

Abstract: An improved coating tool (20) is provided with a variable flexible connection between a head and handle. The improved tool broadly includes a head (22), a handle (23), a flexible connection (21) between the head and handle to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween, and a restraining member (24) operatively arranged to adjustably limit the amount of relative movement between the head and handle, whereby the amount of permissible relative movement between the head and handle may be selectively varied. In the preferred form, the restraining member (24) may vary the flexibility of the connection.

Abstract: An improved J-hook (20) includes an eye portion (21) having a circular transverse cross-section; an arcuate hook portion (22) having a circular transverse cross-section; a shank portion (23) arranged between the eye and hook portions and having an oval-shaped transverse cross-section; a first transitional portion (24) between the eye and shank portions and having a transverse cross-section in smooth continuous transition from the circular transverse cross-section of the eye portion to the oval-shaped transverse cross-section of the shank portion; and a second transitional portion (25) between the shank and hook portions and having a transverse cross-section in smooth continuous transition from the oval-shaped transverse cross-section of the shank portion to the circular transverse cross-section of the hook portion. The improved J-hook is drop-forged of "MT-10" steel, and exhibits a markedly-improved strength-to-weight ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to dynamically shape the projected energy profile of an electron beam and the energy distribution of an electron beam of a cathode ray tube to provide a single cathode ray tube the ability to display multiple image formats of varying resolutions, brightnesses and aspect ratios. In one embodiment, the invention contemplates the introduction of a shaping lens along the path of the electron beam comprising at least three electrodes. Voltages are selectively applied to the electrodes to dynamically and selectively vary the projected energy profile of an electron beam in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cathode ray tube.

Abstract: An improved baffle (24) for directing the light discharged from a deuterium lamp includes a plate-like member configured as a cylindrical segment (25), an aperture (27) provided through a central portion (26) of the member, and a flattened portion (26) about the aperture. The flattened portion is of such size and has a surface of such reflectivity as to substantially eliminate interference ring(s) of discontinuous light intensity from the light output of the lamp. A deuterium employing the improved baffle affords the advantage of markedly-increased light intensity, as compared with prior art baffles, at selected wavelengths.

Abstract: A heat stable culture medium is prepared by substituting glycerol for carbohydrate components such as dextrose that are prone to Maillard reactions. A preferred medium contains pancreatic digest of casein, soytone, soluble starch, a phosphate buffer system, a salt, a pH indicator, and glycerol as a primary carbon source. The culture medium is pH and color stable when exposed to steam sterilization, including post-manufacture steam sterilization when used as the medium of a self-contained biological indicator. A self-contained sterility indicator device contains a flexible cylindrical tube having an opening at one end. The tube contains a submicron screen as a gas transmissive, bacteria impermeable window, an adsorbent wick bearing at one end viable microorganisms, and a frangible glass ampule containing the culture medium. The end of the wick containing microorganisms is located away from the ampule and adjacent the screen.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of forming one or more box blanks (20) from a generally-rectangular sheet of material, comprising the steps of: providing a frame (28) for supporting and guiding the sheet; placing a sheet of material on the frame; controllably moving the sheet in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame; providing at least one longitudinal score line (21) on the sheet as the sheet moves relative to the frame; punching a first hole in the sheet; cutting a first slot (23) in the sheet between one longitudinal edge thereof and the first hole; punching a second hole in the sheet at a position spaced transversely across from the first hole; cutting a second slot (23) in the sheet between the other longitudinal edge thereof and the second hole; providing a transverse score line (22) on the sheet between the first and second holes; punching longitudinal slots in the sheet to severe the flaps (24) from the glue tab (27); and cutting the sheet to the length required for the desired shap

Abstract: A fail-safe ride simulator (10) broadly includes a base (11), a platform (13) mounted for movement relative to the base, an actuation mechanism (14) operatively arranged between the platform and an actuation mechanism operatively arranged between the platform and the base. The actuation mechanism includes a plurality of electro-mechanical servoactuators (23) acting between the platform and base for causing relative movement therebetween. A fail-safe circuit (34) is operatively arranged to continuously monitor the condition of the actuation mechanism, and to cause the platform to move automatically toward a predetermined position relative to the base in the event of an unsafe condition in the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: An improved oxygen generator (20) includes an air compressor (21) having a pressure port (22) and a suction port (23) and being selectively operable to produce a flow of air from the suction port to the pressure port; a molecular sieve (30) having an inlet communicating with the compressor and having an outlet, the sieve being adapted to adsorb nitrogen from a flow of gas passing therethrough; a storage tank (33) communicating with the sieve outlet and adapted to store oxygen-rich gas passing through the sieve; and a control valve (24) operatively arranged between the compressor and the sieve and being selectively movable between a first position in which air flows from the compressor suction port through the sieve to the storage tank and a second position in which oxygen-rich gas flows from the storage tank through the sieve and control valve to desorb nitrogen in the sieve.

Abstract: The application describes a control pendant for controlling a multi-segment patient table to assume a variety of different positions or configurations. The pendant has safety features including automatic shutoff of power to the keys under selected conditions and backlighting of the keys when power is being supplied (e.g., when keys are operational) to provide improved visibility in low-light environments. The control pendant further has an ergonomically effective shape and key board layout. An icon representing the table and its segments is located on the keyboard, and the keyswitches are arranged with respect to the icon to facilitate rapid and accurate visual identification of keys which operate particular table segments.

Abstract: A bifurcated holdown shoe for radial arm saw mounted to the saw guard of the radial arm saw such that the lower surface of the holdown shoe is mounted at a distance above the radial arm saw saw table corresponding to the height of a work piece to pass underneath the holdown shoe and be cut by the radial arm saw. The holdown shoe includes an arm portion which is bifurcated into two arms separated by a channel. A portion of the saw blade is held within the channel. The holdown shoe holds a work piece vertically steady against the saw table immediately adjacent the saw blade during a rip-cut, thus reducing the occurrence of kick-back.

Abstract: A hardenable white gold alloy consists essentially of about 55-60 % gold, about 12-20% silver, about 8-15% copper, about 8-18% palladium, about 0.0-1.0% tin, zinc indium or cobalt, and, optionally, about 0.005-0.02% iridium and/or ruthenium, and also about 0.01-0.03 weight percent lithium. The alloy is nickel-free, but has a pleasing white color similar to that of nickel-containing white gold alloys. The alloy has a fine grain structure, a lower hardness in its annealed condition, but is capable of being hardened to an exceptional hardness value. The hardening procedure is reversible.

Abstract: A monitor support mechanism (20) includes a monitor support (22) having two brackets (23, 23), and a housing (25) secured to the underside of a table (24) adjacent the rear edge (26). A swinging parallelogram-type linkage (29) operatively connects the monitor support with the housing. Springs (33) within the housing bias the linkage to urge the monitor to move upwardly. An adjustment mechanism (35) is arranged to permit adjustment of the compressive displacement of the springs so that the spring force will balance the weight of the monitor. The springs act on the linkage mechanism through low-friction rollers (40).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved disconnect tool (15). In the preferred embodiment, the disconnect tool is comprised of a first member (16) and a second member (18) connected by a pivot pin (19). The tool includes an engagement means (23) and an expansion means (22) to facilitate the engagement and expansion of a retaining clip so as to permit insertion and removal of a fluid line (39) from a fluid coupling assembly (41). In the preferred embodiment, the expansion means takes the form of a castellated tube portion with a plurality of fingers (20) defining a plurality of grooves (21) therebetween. The fingers are used expand the retaining clip radially and outwardly so as to permit the fluid line to be removed from the fluid coupling assembly. In addition, the present invention is also directed to a method for removing a fluid line from a fluid coupling assembly through the use of a disconnect tool.

Abstract: A modular vibratory force generator (10) is adapted to be mounted on a helicopter fuselage (11) and operated to selectively apply a controllable vibratory force (F.sub.R) thereto. The improved generator includes a plurality of force-generating modules (12, 12) and a closed-loop servocontroller (13). Each module has a pair of counter-rotating eccentric masses (20, 21) that are arranged to exert a fixed-amplitude variable-phase individual force at spaced locations on the fuselage. These individual forces (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) combine to exert a controllable-amplitude resultant vibratory force (F.sub.R) on the structure. The servocontroller is adapted to be supplied with a single sinusoidal control signal and is operative to cause the frequency and phase of the resultant vibratory force to be identical to the frequency and phase of the control signal and to cause the amplitude of the resultant vibratory force to be proportional to the amplitude of the control signal.

Abstract: A laminated punch assembly (20) is adapted for use in a press brake to bend sheet metal (M) interposed between a punch and die when the punch and die are moved relatively toward one another. The improved punch assembly includes a plurality of plate-like members (24). Each member has large-area obverse and reverse faces (30, 31), and has a peripheral surface. A slot extends into each member from a portion of its peripheral surface, and communicates the two faces. The plurality of members are arranged in face-to-face area contact to define an elongated laminated punch assembly, with the slots of each member being aligned to form an elongated slot in the punch assembly. An elongated insert (26) is adapted to be slidably inserted into the punch assembly slot, and has an exposed bending surface (63) adapted to engage the sheet material when the brake is used.The invention also provides an improved die assembly for use in such a press brake.

Abstract: The present invention includes a filter, 10, for purifying smoke plume generated from electrocautery or laser surgery. The filter includes a pre-filter, 11, for filtering gross particulate; a first filter, 12, having a structurally blended antimicrobial agent and adapted to capture and destroy minute and harmful organic particles such as viruses or bacteria at high efficiency; a second filter, 13, having a charcoal bed for removing gaseous toxins and odors from the smoke plume and a post-filter, 14, adapted to complete the general filtering process and to control the migration of any charcoal fines or other filter elements. The filter is adapted to be used in connection with various filter containers or hoods, including a rectangular hood, 16, or an industry-standard cylindrical filtering container, 20.

Abstract: A unique cathode (30) for an ultraviolet discharge lamp (10) is described. The cathode includes a triple-coil wire, i.e., the wire has a primary coil (43), a secondary coil (41) wound around the primary coil and a tertiary coil (36) wound around the secondary coil. The interstices of the primary coil and secondary coil, but not the tertiary coil, are occupied by a crystalline oxide emitter material. Filling the primary and secondary coils of the triple coil cathode provides a cathode having a greater amount of emitter material than prior art. In addition, as the outer layer of the emitter material sputters away from bombardment by positive ions, the remaining emitter material is protected by the now-exposed portion of the coil wire which protrudes beyond the remaining emitter material. Thus, incoming positive ions are apt to strike the exposed wire, and not the remaining emitter material.