Abstract: Synthetic biomaterials are provided with irreversibly bound amino diphosphonate, polyphosphonate, or other anticalcification agent to prevent in vivo calcification. Such biomaterials include biocompatible elastomers such as polyurethane and/or polydimethylsiloxane, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Illustratively, reaction conditions utilizing hi-or polyfunctional epoxides result in epoxide bridge incorporation of the anticalcification agent to the biomaterial elastomer.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Three or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein equal distribution of torque is required at three or more outputs. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto. Typical applications include powering three or more live axles on vehicles, providing rotary power for developing equal torques for simultaneously tightening multiple bolts, and generating equal forces on the gripper fingers of robotic hands. In addition, the outputs can be applied to leveling devices where three or more legs must apply equal pressures on a surface.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Four or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement may be expanded to any number of outputs, and is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein a predetermined distribution of torque is required at four or more outputs, irrespective of their speeds. All the outputs are coupled as a series of all epicyclic differentiating mechanisms, or a series of epicyclic and bevel differentiating mechanisms. N outputs are achieved by introducing multiple epicyclic gear mechanisms. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto.

Abstract: A self-adjusting storage rack for holding vertically stationery, envelopes, letters, file folders, cards, photos, magazines and similar flat surface articles. The device comprises of two upright ends mounted on a base of two flat telescopic rods; a third central telescopic rod acts as a guide for a elastic, expandable and continuous multi-coil; each end coil is attached to an upright end so that one upright may be manually pulled out, extending the length of the rack to the full length permitted by the telescopic rods or any length in between. The elastic coil between the two uprights adjust itself accordingly.

Abstract: Novel difucntionalized cyclobutabenzene monomers of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z can be hydrogens or a cyclobutane ring; and X and Y are carboxyl, amino, alcohol, isocyanate, acid halide, or bis-acyl fluoride groups. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cyclobutabenzene derivative is 1,2-dihydrocyclobutabenzene-3,6-carboxylic acid. The difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomer can form part of a polymer backbone chain, but has an additional functionality, the butane ring, which can be easily opened to produce strong, covalent bond crosslinking between polymer chains. The crosslinking can be induced simply by heating the polymer to a temperature in excess of 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A polyimide matrix is employed to form a substance-sensitive membrane which is particularly suited for installation on a solid state sensor. Polyimide, dissolved in a solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide, or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (polyimide encapsulant), is combined with an ionophore, plasticizer, and a lipophilic additive. The ionophore may be a calcium ionophore, an ammonium ionophore, or any other ionophore. The membrane may also incorporate, or may be covered by, a bioactive agent, such as an enzyme, an immunochemical, bacteria, antibody, virus, or antigen. The plasticizer is one or both of dimethyl phthalate and diethylene glycol dibenzoate. The lipophilic additive may be potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate. The resulting substance-sensitive membrane has electrochemical properties which compare favorably to those of conventional PVC membranes, and exhibit significantly greater adhesion to glasses and semiconductor substrate materials.

Abstract: A combined ambient light magnitude and light source direction sensor controls the headlamps and cabin climate of a vehicle. The combined unit employs a photodiode having a predetermined spectral response and a diffuser which also has a predetermined spectral response, the spectral responses being combined to achieve an overall spectral response which corresponds to that of the human eye. With this arrangement, the headlamps of a motor vehicle are turned on and off under different ambient light conditions, in a manner which corresponds to the perception of the driver. In addition, a light modulator provides the combined unit with a sensitivity to the angular location of the sun with respect to the vehicle in which the unit is installed. Such angular sensitivity facilitates in determining the portion of the interior of the vehicle undergoing thermal loading by the sun, and facilitates a corresponding adjustment of the climate control system.

Abstract: A system including method and apparatus for determining the energy content in a signal to be analyzed employs, in an apparatus aspect thereof, a sampling element for producing samples of the electrical signal to be analyzed, a local correlator for producing a plurality of signals corresponding to the samples delayed and multiplicatively combined with their complex conjugates, a bank of delay and adder systems for correlating the outputs of the multipliers in accordance with a binomial kernel, and a Fourier transformer for producing the distribution as a function of time and frequency. Local correlation is effected using a multi-element delay system, such as a shift register. Binomial correlation in the delay and adder systems is achieved by combining additively given samples with samples which are in other states of delay. Moreover, the banks have respectively different numbers of such delay and adder systems. The resulting analytic signal corresponds to a binomial kernel.

Abstract: A cap assembly is fitted to a bottleneck, and is provided with a sleeve for fitting to the bottleneck. The sleeve is provided with a non-drip pouring spout whereby the liquid can be poured from the bottle through the sleeve and spout. A closure cap member is fitted to the sleeve in a secure manner. Before a cap portion of the closure cap member can be removed to permit the pouring of the liquid, a tear band must first be removed from the closure cap member, thereby providing tamper resistance. Additionally, the cap portion must be aligned with the sleeve before it can be removed, thereby providing child resistance.

Abstract: A system for controlled release, site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, particularly myocardial agents such as antiarrhythmic agents, comprises a biocompatible polymeric matrix with an incorporated therapeutic agent for direct placement at the epicardium. Advantageously, the dosage form can be fabricated in such a manner as to tailor the release characteristics as required by the nature of the physical condition desired to be treated. In a specific illustrative embodiment, lidocaine, an antiarrhythmic depressant, is incorporated in polyurethane by a unique method which permits drug-loading of the polymeric matrix from about 5% up to 40% by weight, with about 25% to 30% in a preferred embodiment. A novel FeCl.sub.3 catalyst causes the polyurethane to polymerize despite the presence of drug in the polymeric matrix mixture.

Abstract: A system for compensating for the effects of friction and other forces reting from repeatable disturbances in a servo system or a numerically controlled machine employs a software-based mathematical model which has certain parameters associated therewith. The parameters are calibrated for the specific characteristics of the system using either off-line or on-line methods, and include dynamic correction for continuous correction, as would be required to compensate for forces which disturb a desired motion. The compensation model is implemented in two stages: (i) building a calibrated mathematical model that describes a repeatable disturbance force, such as friction, and (ii) using the model in real time to compensate for the disturbance force. The model provides a compensation signal which is combined with the original controller signal to yield a compensated control signal. The compensation may be in the form of a position offset.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic materials, either natural or synthetic, are treated with trivalent aluminum or iron cations, or salts, to prevent in vivo calcification. Such bioprosthetic materials include porcine aortic valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, aortic homografts, biocompatible elastomers, and the like which are intended for invasive, or in-dwelling use in a human or animal body. Simple incubation of the natural bioprosthetic materials in an ion-containing solution, such as aqueous AlCl.sub.3 or FeCl.sub.3, prior to implantation has been found to inhibit calcification of the biomaterial over a prolonged period, and to do so without adverse side effects. Incorporation of an aluminum-containing compound into the formulation for polymers, such as polyurethane, has also been found to inhibit calcification with no adverse side effects.

Abstract: A range hood positioned above a cooking range employs a continuous heat sensor system which includes twisted wires which are separated from one another by an insulator which is formed of a material which melts at a predetermined temperature. The wires carry a supervisory current which also flows through an actuator, which may be an electrified system for cutting a tension wire. An indicator lamp, such as an LED, which may have a series resistor associated therewith, limits the current through the actuator to a level below the activation threshold of the actuator.

Abstract: A balancer arrangement for a rotating machine element employs a peristaltic pump which pumps a balancing fluid to respective balancing chambers via flexible tubing. In an arrangement which employs four balancing chambers, two peristaltic pumps may be employed to control the flow of balancing fluid between respective pairs of the chambers. The radial positioning of the peristaltic pumps is not fixed, but may be selected in response to specific characteristics of the application. In addition, the pump motors may be configured to drive the peristaltic pump rollers by operation of the rotation of the motor shaft, or the motor housing. The tubing along which the balancing fluid is conducted need not have a circular cross-section, and may be installed in a groove or cavity of the balancing arrangement so as to secure against centrifugal forces and prevent ballooning effects.

Abstract: Novel radioiodinated analogues of naturally-occurring phospholipid ethers are tumor-specific and have a triglycerol backbone structure which, in certain embodiments, is substituted at the 3-position with an alkyl phosphocholine and include a monoiodinated benzoyl side chain substituted at the 2-position in accordance with the general formula: ##STR1## where n= 1-15 ##STR2## m= 0-15; Z=.sup.123 I, .sup.125 I, and .sup.131 I; Y=NH.sub.2, NR.sub.2, and NR.sub.3, and R=alkyl, aralkyl.

Abstract: A system for scrambling and descrambling complex data signals, such as video signals, employs a system for encoding the decoding information, in the form of two security keys, directly onto the scrambled signal being transmitted, without the need of a second communications link for delivering one of the keys. The data signal is encoded with identification information which identifies a specific one of multiple decoders at the receiving stations, and a scrambled security code. The security code can only be descrambled by the decoder which is specifically identified in the identification code. A security code descrambling algorithm which is specific to the respectively associated decoder is permanently installed in the decoder along with the identification information. The relationship between the security code descrambling algorithm and the identification code for each of the decoders is stored in a memory at the transmitting station.

Abstract: Novel difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomers of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Z can be hydrogens or a cyclobutane ting; and X and Y are carbox amino, alcohol, isocyanate, acid halide, or bis-acyl fluoride groups. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cyclobutabenzene derivative is 1,2-dihydrocyclobutabenzene-3,6-carboxylic acid. The difunctionalized cyclobutabenzene monomer can form part of a polymer backbone chain, but has an additional functionality, the butane ring, which can be easily opened to produce strong, covalent bond crosslinking between polymer chains. The crosslinking can be induced simply by heating the polymer to a temperature in excess of 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A combination vehicle seat and stroller for a child is provided with retractable wheel assemblies which forms a substantially flush, smooth bottom surface which will minimize damage to the upholstery of the vehicle. The apparatus is provided with a handle which is retractable when the apparatus is used in a vehicle seat mode, and deployable for use as a stroller. A coupling system is optionally provided for deploying and retracting the wheel assemblies in response to the deployment and retraction of the handle. Forward ones of the wheel assemblies are arranged to pivot so as to provide a steering capability to the stroller, and may be longer than the rear wheel assemblies so as to provide a reclining attitude for the child.

Abstract: A photoresponsive pulser/sampler system for investigating electrical signals and responses in VLSI systems employs a microtip which communicates electrically and mechanically with the device under test, and electrically with an electrode via a photoresponsive gate. The photoresponsive gate is formed of interdigitated electrodes which have interdigital spacings therebetween on the order of 1 .mu.m. The structure of the invention is operable in the dual modalities of probe and pulser which share a common probe tip. Simultaneous implementation of the pulser and sampler functions is achieved with the use of a lock-in amplifier and the technique of difference frequency mixing, where the pulser optical pulse frequency is f.sub.1 and the gate optical pulse frequency is f.sub.2. Multiple photoresponsive gates coupled to a common probe tip and having respective electrodes are disclosed for achieving respective pulsing and sampling functions, and also for effecting S-parameter measurements.

Abstract: An implantable microstimulator system employs a miniature ferrite-cored coil contained with an hermetically sealed housing to receive control signals and operating power from an RF telemetry system. The tiny coil receives the electromagnetic energy which is transmitted from a non-implantable transmitter which generates a code-modulated carrier. Demodulator circuitry in the implantable microcircuit is employed to extract the control information, while applying the electromagnetic energy to power the electronic circuitry therein and charge a capacitor which will provide the electrical stimulation to the living being. The electrical stimulation is delivered by a stimulating electrode which has a waffle-like configuration whereby a plurality of iridium oxide electrode pads, coupled in parallel, so as to be characterized by a long effective edge distance, transfer the stimulating charge.