Abstract: An improved electro-optical detection system is disclosed capable of use in a fluorescent polarization instrument. In a single or dual channel system, an integrated photodetector/amplifier is combined with a linear charge-balancing voltage-to-frequency converter to produce a digital frequency indicative of the intensity of polarized fluorescence emmited by a chemically treated body fluid sample, such as blood, upon light excitation thereof. A chopper-stabilized amplifier is further connected to the input of the voltage-to-frequency converter for automatically correcting input offset currents and temperature drift. The digital frequency is counted and the data corresponding thereto is transferred via bus connection to a microcomputer for evaluation and display.

Abstract: An adjustable fence assembly is disclosed constructed in sections having at least a pair of vertically oriented end posts for establishing the location of a respective section in the ground. Intermediate the end posts, a plurality of tubular pickets are mounted in a substantially vertical direction upon a series of tubular rails horizontally oriented and pivotally mounted between the end posts. Each rail is fabricated having a plurality of paired openings spaced apart along the length of the rail and corresponding in number to that of the pickets. Vertically aligned on opposite sides of each rail, both of the paired openings are shaped to accept and hold a respective one of the pickets with one of the openings being additionally formed to provide an apertured flap interior to the rail. The aperture in each flap is adapted to accept a rod extended longitudinally through each rail to interlock the rail with a crossing picket.

Abstract: A sieve drum is disclosed that is particularly useful in textile processing equipment, such as a suction drum dryer, for heat-treating of continuous web material. The sieve drum is constructed having a single layer of a close mesh screen cylindrically formed between a pair of end heads to provide support for and transmit torque to web material being processed. The close mesh screen is composed of a plurality of longitudinal and transverse wire lengths of relatively heavy gauge than are sinusoidally woven into a lattice having a multitude of small interstitial openings each with rounded edges to provide smooth, unabrasive support to the web material. The multitude of small openings the aggregate area of which comprises less than 50% of the screen surface provides an even distribution of heated air over the surface of the drum and exposes a high percentage of the supported web to the air for a fast, energy efficient heat-treating process.

Abstract: A method and solution for enhancing coagulation. The solution comprises a pharmacologically active mixture of calcium chloride, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, protamine, thrombin and norepinephrine dissolved in a saline solution. The solution is applied topically.

Abstract: An improved gas-fired radiant heater is disclosed, particularly useful in drying continuous web materials, wherein a partially compartmentalized manifold chamber is formed beneath an extended series of porous ceramic tiles for evenly distributing a predetermined gas-air mixture of fuel so that upon ignition there is provided a continuous burning surface along the entire length of the tiles. A plurality of baffle members are disposed throughout an elongated manifold housing to compartmentalize lower portions of the manifold chamber and thereby permit the proper flow of fuel through the heater to generate a more uniform radiant heat field. An air jacket assembly surrounding the manifold chamber is further provided and includes an outer casing into which cooling air is injected and circulated throughout the length of the heater.

Abstract: A testable integrated circuit contains additional circuitry which defines--when operable in a test mode--a plurality of scan paths in each of which are connected in series a plurality of bistable elements (specifically, special scan path flip-flops) isolated from the integrated circuit combinational circuits. The input and output ends of these scan paths are connected by multi-level demultiplexer and multiplexer arrangements with the input and output pins, respectively, of the integrated circuit. The last level demultiplexer and the last level multiplexer include first groups of connections with the input and output ends of the scan paths, respectively, and second groups of connections with the input and output ends of the mission logic. The demultiplexers, the multiplexers and the scan path flip-flops are operable between mission and test modes upon the application of a mode control signal thereto.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon wafer includes growing a layer of low-resistivity crystalline silicon upon a precision-ground slice of single-crystal, high-resistivity silicon. The slice of single-crystal silicon has a thickness sufficient to withstand handling during the initial part of the processing. The crystalline silicon is built up to a thickness which is sufficient to withstand handling and processing of the finished wafer. The layer of single-crystal silicon is thereupon precision ground to reduce its final thickness to a value required for the devices to be formed thereon. The crystalline layer performs gettering to remove impurities from the single-crystal silicon during normal heating attendant to the formation of the solid-state devices thereon. The present invention further includes a silicon wafer made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatic operation of an accumulator conveyor in conjunction with a main conveyor which transports odd shaped articles between two operational stations of an automated system. The method comprises the passing of articles into the entry end of the accumulator conveyor at a first speed when downstream equipment malfunctions causing articles to back-up along the main conveyor. When the back-up is dissipated, the articles stored in the accumulator conveyor are passed from the exit end of the accumulator conveyor on a first-in, first-out basis to the main conveyor at a second, faster speed while additional articles from the upstream equipment continue to enter the accumulator conveyor, also at the second speed. When all of the previously stored articles have passed back to the main conveyor, the main conveyor is operated normally with no articles passing into or out of the accumulator conveyor.

Abstract: An improved electrical lead and the associated surgical procedure for using the same to connect the heart of a post-operative patient temporarily to an external cardiac pacemaker. An elongated non-conductive carrier housing a pair of insulated signal wires is provided with a pair of contact plates at separate locations along the surface of the carrier. Each of the plates is connected to one of the signal wires. The contact plates are configured and spaced apart to provide intimate electrical contact with the external walls of the atrium and ventricle when the carrier is placed in proper position dorsal to the heart.

Abstract: A cardiovascular tourniquet and surgical method of applying the same is disclosed for use in support of a cannula operatively inserted into a blood vessel with a purse string suture. Ends of the suture are drawn to close the blood vessel around the cannula and then passed through a tubular member having integrally formed rib-like sections spaced apart along its length. The tubular member is firmly secured alongside the cannula by at least a pair of spring clips fastened about the cannula and adapted to grasp the tubular member between its rib-like sections. An integral cap is further provided at one end of the tubular member for releasably clamping the suture ends drawn therethrough thereby preventing the suture from loosening during subsequent procedures and maintaining proper disposition of the cannula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the non-destructive testing of materials, particularly composite structures and other such laminated materials, which comprises repeatedly impacting the material being tested with a precisely regulated force having a pre-determined magnitude. The response generated by the material is detected by a sensor and a proportional electrical signal is generated. The electrical signal is compared with a stored electrical signal previously generated in response to impacting a defect-free reference material with the same precisely regulated pre-determined force. A difference in frequency and amplitude between the two compared electrical signals is indicative of a defect in the material being tested.

Abstract: An improved sternal closure device and method for using the device is disclosed wherein a pair of thin rods of appropriate length are positioned longitudinally along respective opposite sides of a severed sternum on the posterior surface thereof. Individual wires secured at one end thereof to corresponding points along each rod are passed through matching holes on either side of the severed sternum to extend beyond its anterior surface. Opposing pairs of wires transversely oriented are tensioned to draw the sternum together and knotted thereby holding the sternum closed with forces applied by the wires and distributed along the length of the sternum via the rods. Alternatively, the wires may have looped inner ends that engage the rods on the posterior surface of the sternum for distribution of the closing forces.

Abstract: A light emitting diode and a method for the manufacture thereof is described. The diode may be formed by liquid phase epitaxial growth from a single melt including p and n conductivity type dopants. The p conductivity type layer grows first followed by the n conductivity layer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having particularly low resistance connection to a portion thereof carrying substantial current is described. First and second electrodes are provided on a major surface of the semiconductor, the first electrode providing lateral contact to a control region of the semiconductor device; the second electrode providing low impedance vertical contact to the high current carrying region. A conductive plate is supported between upstanding spaced apart portions of the second electrode and is thereby vertically spaced apart from the first electrode.

Abstract: A high isolation voltage optocoupler includes spaced apart emitter and detector elements coupled to one and the other ends of a bar of light transmissive dielectric material. A reflective coating on the surface of the bar enhances light coupling. An opaque dielectric housing excludes ambient light and provides mechanical support for the coupling elements.

Abstract: A thermal matching element which exhibits high electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity is used to join a heat generating semiconductor device with a heat transmissive electrically conductive members. The thermal matching element is independently selected for different directions in the plane of the matching surface.

Abstract: A computer-aided monitoring system and associated technique is disclosed for automatically controlling the liquid level of a heated tank subjected to changing temperatures. A first voltage signal from a thermistor sensor mounted within the tank at a predetermined level is digitally converted to multi-bit data indicative of fluid level. A second voltage signal produced by a separate thermistor sensor attached to the tank is digitally encoded as an indication of tank temperature and used to address a look-up table of voltage threshold values stored in a read-only memory. Empirically determined to vary linearly as a function of tank temperature, the voltage threshold values addressed are compared with the digital level data to determine if the liquid flow to the tank should be discontinued via a central processing unit.