Abstract: A device and method for the obtaining a tissue biopsy and the delivery of a material to provide hemostatis, therapeutic agents or marker material is described that can be used in conjunction with either an aspiration biopsy or a cutting needle biopsy device. The device has an application chamber through which the biopsy mechanism, either a cutting needle device or aspiration needle, passes through. The mechanism for an aspiration biopsy has a biopsy cannula of constant cross section over its entire length connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel of constant or varying cross section connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The cutting biopsy mechanism has a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism to rapidly fire a stylet with a biopsy trough into the intended tissue and then fire a biopsy cannula over the stylet to sever and retain tissue that has protruded into the biopsy trough.

Abstract: Blood pressure determination with resolution sufficient to resolve Pulsus Paradoxus is based on measurement of delay time between points on a heartbeat pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract is disclosed. The system includes a carrier having a first well and a second well. A first composition is disposed in the first well and contains urea in powdered form. A second composition is disposed in a second well and contains an indicator. A biopsy of a gastric sample is manipulated with a specimen-handling tool and is first contacted with the first composition and then placed in the second composition. The second composition indicates the presence of an enzyme, which, in turn, indicates the presence of bacteria.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a first composition separated from a second composition. The first composition contains urea in powdered form. The second composition, on the other hand, contains an indicator. A biopsy of a gastric sample is first contacted with the first composition and then placed in the second composition. The second composition indicates the presence of an enzyme that, in turn, indicates the presence of bacteria. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a biopsy of a gastric sample is contacted with a single composition. The composition contains urea in a powdered form combined with a dry indicator. Besides urea and a dry indicator, the composition can also contain an anti-caking agent.

Abstract: The biopsy device has a biopsy channel connected to an aspiration and collecting chamber and at least one application channel connected to a dispensing chamber integrally connected with the aspiration chamber. The application channel is formed by a tube centrically slipped over the biopsy channel wall. To enable the collection of tissue specimens without tissue specimens entering and obstructing the application cannula, the distal segment of the application channel forms a close fitting and concentric sheath around the biopsy channel. The proximal end of the application channel has a larger diameter than the distal end allowing for unobstructed flow of the application material past the biopsy channel wall upon retraction of the biopsy channel from the distal segment of the application channel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the material changes in a structure is disclosed through the use monitoring instruments embedded within the structure. The instruments have at least one sensor with electrodes in contact with the surrounding material and electronics that are contained within the instrument. The sensor signals are converted to digital and transmitted to an external data logger or computer for display of the digitized signals. The connection between the microcontroller and the data logger can be either through hardwire or RF. Power is provided to the electronic sensors through either external or local methods. A power management system can be used to place the electronics into a sleep mode when not in use. The electronics are encapsulated within potting material within an instrument case that is manufactured from a material having a flexural modulus equal to, or greater than, the surrounding material to prevent mechanical failure of the device before failure of the surrounding material.

Abstract: A sound pressure waveguide consisting of an input acoustic channel, a compression zone and exit channel with an optional termination baffle. The shape and length of the waveguides are varied to adjust sound pressure gain and to achieve varied sound pickup directivity. The shape and length of the termination baffle, when employed, is also adjustable to achieve varied directivity. The waveguide is shaped from at least two opposing members or sides and at least one sloped member or side. The mounting position of one or more commercially available microphone transducer(s) puts the transducer's diaphragm substantially parallel to the sound path through the waveguide pressure channel. The exit channel is included to let sound pressure pass by the microphone to the pressure channel and through the waveguide to an optional termination baffle, thus preventing significant pressure distortion, sound pressure propagation distortion and undesirable reflections.

Abstract: The invention consists of several novel solutions to overcome specific problems currently encountered in propagating bamboo. The invention consists of these novel solutions both individually and in combination.

Abstract: An improved siphoning device having an elongated hollow body member having a first open tip end with a fluid flow opening and a second open end. A two-way liquid valve is positioned within the first open tip end, and air pump member is removably attached to the second end of the body member. The seal member is movably positioned within the first open tip end. An air vent exhausts hot gases and is an air outlet for pumping air out of the body and creating suction within body. The air vent is preferably positioned proximate the elongated body second open end and has a cross-sectional area substantially less than the fluid flow opening cross-sectional area. The air vent preferably has a diameter in the range from at least one thirty second of an inch to three thirty seconds of and inch. Most preferably the diameter is greater than one thirty second is of an inch and less than three thirty seconds of and inch. Most preferably the diameter is about two thirty seconds of an inch.

Abstract: The pocket system provides easy attachment to a variety of support surfaces, such as crutches, walkers, backpacks, etc. The system has at least one pocket having an open end to receive articles. At least one pocket securing member is attached to the back of the pocket proximate the open end to affix the pocket to a horizontal portion of the support surface. A stabilizing strap, or straps, is affixed to the back of the pocket proximate the closed end, adding stability by affixing the pocket to a vertical portion of the support surface. Preferably the stabilizing straps extend from opposite sides of the pocket for maximum security. One end of the securing members(s) and strap(s) can be permanently secured to the pocket, with the other end removably affixed through various means known in the art. Alternatively all of the methods of attachment of the pocket securing member(s) and stabilizing strap(s) can be removable.

Abstract: An accessory device for fastener-driving tools such as nail and staple guns is provided. The device serves as a positioning guide for the tool and is designed to provide sufficient spacing and orientation between the fastener-driving tool and the target construction material. The device can be integrated into the body of the fastener-driving tool, manufactured as an attachment or manufactured as a separate tool. It prevents impact marring at the visible surface of the construction material by redirecting the force of the blow to a non-visible surface on the assembled construction material. Furthermore it increases speed and ease of movement for the user by serving as a guide for stability and ease of alignment. The device changes the impact point between the driving tool and the construction material, broadens the area of impact and protects the top edge of a tongue and groove construction material from impact damage.

Abstract: The invention is an improved Offset Head Ratchet Wrench. It allows the user to remove or interchange different size ratchet heads or tools quickly with the push of a button attached at the head of the activating shaft. This shaft can activate in three stages if it is operating an offset wrench. The activating shaft is attached to an E shaped structure, which is made up of an activating shaft, locking pin and pivot pin, all three being attached to a central plate. Stage one is when the activating shaft is in a partially depressed position. The locking pin releases the ratchet head for rotation only. Stage two is when the activating shaft is fully depressed, it releases the pivot pin, allowing the ratchet head to be easily and quickly removed or exchanged for another type of tool with a similarly designed head.

Abstract: A method of preparing bread products, such as bagels, to increase shelf-stability is disclosed. Once the dough has been formed into a bagels, a second floor time of about 15 to 40 minutes is provided, sufficient to fully activate all yeast activity within the dough. During the second floor time the dough can be placed in a proof box, at temperature in the range of about 85° to about 100° and a relative humidity of 30-50%. The dough is sealed by exposing both sides to boiling water, having a temperature 180° F.-212° F., and then fully cooked within the water. This produces a product that is shelf-stable. Prior to consumption, the product, e.g. bagels are browned in a hot oven. Freezing gives the bagels a shelf life of up to about 9 months, air tight packaging a shelf life of up to about 10 days and gas flush packaging has a shelf life of about 45 days. Once the bagels are baked, they remain fresh for up to 48 hours.

Abstract: A machine for tying knots in a linear substrate that is woven simultaneously on the machine or prewoven and fed through the machine. A cutter system uses a knife and a looper independently operated by a series of clamp blocks and connecting links. A yarn needle carries the yarn to the looper for cross weaving. A roller assembly maintains the cut yarn in a taut position. An adjustable picker assembly having cams gathers a number of yarn strands together. A knot tying needle assembly has one end affixed to the machine with an open eyed movable needle for grasping the gathered strands. An adjustable knot tightener interacts with the movable needle to tighten the knot with the aid of an oscillating gear. A rake assembly moves the tied knots to the completion end of the machine.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables the conversion of a massage table to a hydrotherapy wet-table through use of a frame. The frame consists of a horizontal foot panel, connected to a drain system, and a foot upright affixed to the foot brace. A pair of prongs extend from the foot brace to be received by holes within the table. The head panel also has a substantially horizontal head brace, with a head upright affixed to the head brace. A head support is placed within the table to provide support for the head panel. Sidepieces are connected to the foot and head uprights to complete the frame. A waterproof sheet covers the table and frame and is secured by releasable attachments members. The system can also have an overhead U-shaped frame formed from a pair of frame walls rotatably attached to the sidepieces. A waterproof covering can be placed over the frame walls and top frame to maintain the water within the confines of the hydrotherapy table.

Abstract: The disclosed invention discloses a flexible band extending around the top of the foot, back of the heel and under the foot proximate the heel. Pressure devices are incorporated at strategic locations to apply pressure to specific areas in accordance with reflexology. An additional strap can be incorporated that either extends around the toe or completely under the foot. Additional pressure devices can be added that correspond to additional reflexology points.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables a user to monitor and control a remote equipment site from any remote location, over the Internet, while maintaining the operating software the system provider's server. All user data access is through the use of modules, or servlets, that prevent the provider's operating software from being directly accessed, thereby eliminating modification or alteration by any user. The system preferably provides several levels of access, through the use of access codes, to prevent unauthorized users from accessing information. The system communicates with remote units that are proximate the remote equipment and have communication capabilities to enable the remote units to have either one or two way communication with the provider software. The remote units have monitoring devices, that receiving status data from at least one piece of equipment for transmission to the provider software for storage and user access through the servlet(s).

Abstract: A motion detector comprising a rotator member having at least one radially positioned member and being mounted for rotation from at least a first position to at least a second position; a detector member, preferably a Hall Effect sensor; and a magnet producing a magnetic field; wherein, the radially positioned member is characterized by altering the magnetic flux of the magnetic field when it moves into and out of proximity to the magnet; and wherein the detector member detects the alteration of the magnetic flux. The motion detector is preferably used to detect the speed, type, position, presence, and absence of a printer ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: The invention discloses a two- or three-axis transmitter positioner driven by a pulsed DC current, external to the patient, coupled with three- or two-axis receivers positioned internal and/or external to the implant. The receivers are sensitive to a transmitted DC magnetic field emanating from the activated transmitter. Receiver signal processing electronics control the receiver and serve to convert its output to a format suitable for processing by a digital computer in conjunction with a method for processing received signals so as to thereby develop position and orientation data of the transverse locking holes or pin placement. Such data then can be graphically displayed to the user so as to guide the user for accurate alignment of a drill bit with the transverse holes in the implanted device.