Abstract: A ribbon drive propulsion apparatus and method for water-borne vessels such as surface craft and submersibles is disclosed. The vessel is equipped with an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Water is collected at the first end, an axial component of momentum of the water is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the water is ejected from the second end to provide propulsion to the vessel.

Abstract: An authorization system using authorizing devices, such as smart cards. The authorizing devices of the present invention are used to authorize transactions on a computer system. The present invention is used to provide security against authorizing multiple transactions that are in a queue, the present invention comprises an authorizing device that only allows the authorization of only one transaction at a time. The authorization of only one transaction is accomplished by software which set an indicator in the volatile memory of the processing module on the authorizing device. The indicator indicates whether a transaction has been authorized or not. If the indicator indicates that one transaction has been authorized, then no further transactions can be authorized. A processing module in the authorizing device operates software which instructs the processing module to set an indicator once a transaction has been authorized.

Abstract: Plural resilient gripping members grasp the handle or shaft of a toothbrush. Two opposed sets of resilient gripping members are mounted in a recess in the body of the toothbrush holder to form a grasping mechanism. Because the gripping members are resiliently deformable, they will grip between one another brush handles that have a wide range of dimensions and profiles.

Abstract: An integrated optical circuit is formed in a silicon layer and supported on a substrate, and a portion of the silicon layer is substantially thermally isolated from the substrate by extending over a recess in the substrate, e.g. in the form of a bridge. Temperature control means are provided to control the temperature of the portion of the silicon layer or of a device provided thereon. A thermal expansion gap may be provided in the portion to accommodate thermal expansion of the portion relative to the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for cyclic ventricular pacing starting at a rate just above the intrinsic atrial firing rate (overdrive pacing), followed by relaxation to a rate just below the intrinsic atrial firing rate (ventricular escape). The method and apparatus can be applied to one or both ventricles, and can utilize one or more electrodes per ventricle. The electrode(s) can be applied to inner or outer ventricular surfaces. Relaxation protocols as a function of time can be linear, curvilinear to include exponential, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, relaxation protocols can include one or more periods of time during which the pacing rate is held constant. Typically, the average ventricular pacing rate using this invention will be slightly greater than the intrinsic atrial firing rate, though alternate embodiments that encompass average ventricular pacing rates that are equal to or slightly less than the intrinsic atrial firing rate are also envisioned.

Abstract: An anti-reentry apparatus and method for reverting ventricular arrhythmias. Biphasic stimulation is applied at multiple ventricular sites to revert arrhythmias caused by reentry, particularly multiple random reentry. In the preferred embodiment, the first phase of biphasic stimulation is anodal, and is at a maximum subthreshold amplitude. The anodal phase preconditions the myocardium to accept the second phase (cathodal) such that less electrical energy is required to reach the threshold amplitude to produce depolarization. The anodal phase stimulation may have a shape over time that is square wave, ramped, or a series of short square wave pulses. Multiple electrodes located at multiple ventricular sites may be stimulated simultaneously, or they may be sequentially stimulated over time in a manner mimicking the normal progress pattern of cardiac depolarization. The multiple ventricular electrodes may stimulate from internal or external surfaces.

Abstract: The compounds of the following formula: wherein R, R1, R2 R3 and A have the meanings given in the specification, are endowed with selective A3 adenosine receptor agonist activity. These compounds can be used in a pharmaceutical composition to treat disorders caused by excessive activation of the A3 receptor, or can be used in a diagnostic application to determine the relative binding of other compounds to the A3 receptor. The compounds can be labeled, for example with fluorescent or radiolabels, and the labels used in vivo or in vitro to determine the presence of tumor cells which possess a high concentration of adenosine A3 receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the use of a combination of alkali metal hydroxides and alkaline-earth metal hydroxides as a scavenging material for cyanide gas. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and means for either filtering out cyanide gas or detoxifying areas contaminated with cyanide using Sodalime or Baralyme™. The scavenging material of the invention is typically incorporated into a scrubbing device wherein a motor (50) powers a fan (52) to draw contaminated air into an inlet (54) and across a filter (56) which contains the scavenger material, thereby absorbing cyanide gas contained in the air.

Abstract: An insert according to the present invention has a very low transverse Coefficient of Thermal Expansion. This is the result of an isolation and compensation structure formed by a sleeve surrounding a post. The sleeve isolates the post from the thermal expansion effects of the panel. This eliminates the influence of thermal expansion/contraction of both the panel and the bonding material. Since the post itself will also expand and contract with temperature, the attachment point of the post to the sleeve is deliberately selected so as to compensate for the post's own dimensional changes.

Abstract: A device for illuminating a flat panel display. The illuminating device has a flat light guide with light input edges and a light output surface, and light sources disposed at the light input edges. A layer of expanded PTFE is wrapped closely around the light sources, conforming to their exterior surface, and is spread across a back surface of the flat light guide. Reflector film layers (white and metallized) are wrapped over the layer of expanded PTFE. Preferably copper tape is then layered over the reflector film layers. Light is emitted from the light output surface when the light sources are energized.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the folding chair of the present invention, a seat back support integrally formed with the front legs of the folding chair is bent forward at a particular angle, at a particular height above the seating surface, to provide comfortable lower back support for a person sitting on the seat, while maintaining stability. According to another aspect of the invention, a cushion for use on the seat back of the chair is disclosed. The cushion has a particular shape with portions that are intended to interlock with a correspondingly shaped apertures in the seat back of the chair. The cushions may be removed for cleaning or replacement with little trouble. In another aspect, the seating surface of the folding chair is contoured with a gentle s-shape.

Abstract: A camera or fiber optic lens is raised from an automobile on a retractable support to a height sufficient to view over SUVs to perceive an image of traffic beyond an obstructive SUV and transmit the image to a display that is viewable by the driver.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a driver to the presence of an EM signal from a police speed sensor signals (RADAR/LADAR), emergency vehicle signals and traffic hazard warning signals using RADAR/LADAR detectors and coupled GPS positioning system an transceiver. The system receives electromagnetic signal emissions and records the location of the Signal, providing that information to a central processor. A GPS system constantly updates the vehicle position so that the processor can note the vehicle position at the time the Signal was received. The GPS position signal is reformatted and broadcast to other vehicles having similar units. When a position signal is received by the transceiver, it is stored and compared to the present position of the driver's vehicle.

Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring myocardial function in a mammal in need of such measurement by: a) administering 2-substituted adenosine carboxamide derivatives at a dosage rate of less than 1 &mgr;g/kg/min, preferably between about 0.01 and 1 &mgr;g/kg/min; and then: b) performing a technique on the mammal to detect myocardial function. The method can be used to diagnose myocardial dysfunction by electrophysiologic analysis or by imaging the vasculature of the heart, especially under conditions that simulate stress.

Abstract: A trash receptacle sterilization apparatus having ultraviolet sterilization in an enclosed container to kill bacteria and other disease carrying organisms. The receptacle has a vertical container into which a user places trash, other trash receptacles or other objects to be sterilized. An ultraviolet source within the container irradiates the trash receptacle thereby killing any microorganisms that might reside on or in the trash receptacles. Ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can also be used thereby creating ozone gas having germicidal characteristics. The ozone gas is circulating in and around the trash receptacles thereby providing further sterilization together with the ultraviolet radiation. An interlocking switch turns the UV source off when the container is opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved multi-layer hand wrap stretch film products. The products comprise at least five layers. The first and second outer layers each represent from 10 to 25 percent by weight of the film and comprise a blend of a linear low density polyethylene, and a metallocenes based linear low density polyethylene. The film includes a first and second inner layer where each represents from 20 to 40 percent by weight of the film and comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene and a low density polyethylene. The core layer represents from 10 to 30 percent by weight of the film and comprises linear low density polyethylene. The linear low density polyethylene components are either single products or blends of products. The final film exhibits improved properties needed in hand wrap films such as puncture resistance and load retention.

Abstract: The compounds of the formula described herein wherein R, R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given in the specification, are endowed with A3 adenosine receptor agonist activity. These compounds can be used in a pharmaceutical composition to treat disorders caused by excessive activation of the A3 receptor, or can be used in a diagnostic application to determine the relative binding of other compounds to the A3 receptor. The compounds can be labeled, for example with fluorescent or radiolabels, and the labels used in vivo or in vitro to determine the presence of tumor cells which possess a high concentration of adenosine A3 receptors.

Abstract: A twist-lock connector assembly for securing an engaged electrical plug to an electrical outlet which includes a rotatable cylindrical sleeve disposed enclosing an electrical plug and a modified cover plate for replacing the conventional cover plate of an electrical outlet, such as a wall socket or a portable power box. The forward end of the rotatable sleeve includes a plurality of external thread members. Each socket hole of the cover plate includes an inner cylindrical wall having a plurality of radially inwardly projecting nubs formed thereon. In use, the electrical plug is inserted into the socket portion of the wall outlet and the cylindrical sleeve is rotated about a ¼ turn. This causes the external threads on the rotatable sleeve to lockingly engaged the nubs disposed surrounding the socket opening(s) of the cover plate and thereby prevent the electrical plug from being accidentally pulled loose from the outlet by its connection with cover plate.