Abstract: A device for securing together a plurality of cords and for securing together a plurality of loops of one or more cords comprising a disk-shaped first connector with a central opening and an access notch, and a first strip attached to the first connector. The plurality of cords or cord loops can be secured by wrapping the securing device around the cords or loops and then inserting a portion of the first strip into the central opening via the access notch. A securing device suitable for securing together a first plug with a second plug comprising a first connector attached to a first strip, a second connector attached to both the first strip and a second strip and a third connector attached to the second strip. Each connector has a central opening and an access notch.

Abstract: An automatic chemical dispensing system is provided wherein a preselected quantity of liquid chemical drawn from one of several storage vessels is dispensed to one of several different receptacles using a single operating pump. The system includes a single remote controllable operating pump, remote controllable inlet and discharge valves, a single flow indicator and a liquid flush system. The system is controlled by a computerized controller. Piping linking the storage vessels, the pump and the receiving vessels is configured so that the operating pump draws a requested chemical from the appropriate storage vessel and pumps that chemical into a discharge header located between the pump and the receiving vessel. As the operating pump pumps the chemical into the discharge header, flow through the header is noted on the single flow indicator.

Abstract: An intimate garment protector for protecting a garment or multiple garments, namely bras, during laundering. The device comprises first and second basket members that are designed and configured to receive the cup portions of at least one bra. Preferably, the basket members have a generally dome-like or conical-like shape. The device further includes first and second biasing members wherein the first biasing member is designed and configured to be received within the first basket member and the second biasing member is shaped and configured to be received within the second basket member. Accordingly, by placing the cup portions of the bra or bras in the basket members and then placing the biasing members thereupon, a sandwich-like configuration is formed that protects the shape and contours of the bra during the washing process.

Abstract: A method for repairing the ends of turbine blades is set forth which includes positioning the blade end at a backing plate, depositing layered weldment on the plate and thereafter machining the deposited weldment to fashion the repaired blade end. A blade having its end fashioned according to the method is also set forth.

Abstract: A method of attaining a preselected systemic hemodynamic state in an patient using a per-beat basis, such as for example paired values of MAP and SI, rather than a per-minute basis, such as MAP and CI. A method of utilizing Hemodynamic Management Charts (HMCs) which permits the integration of data concerning systemic hemodynamic modulators and the systemic hemodynamic state, and which allows the identification of deviations in the levels of the hemodynamic modulators from normal levels. Also, a computer-based system which measures hemodynamic parameters and implements at least one HMC into its software, thereby permitting identification of deviations in the levels of hemodynamic modulators from normal levels. Therapeutic corrections of the deviations in hemodynamic modulator levels, such as through pharmacologically active agents or volume expanders, based on the foundation and HMCs enables the clinician to establish and maintain a patient in the normal hemodynamic state and normal perfusion state.

Abstract: A self-directed distributed system provides a method for mutual exclusion of asynchronously interacting processors. The system comprises a system for control of access to a shared resource in a multi-processing computing environment, comprising at least two processors; an interconnection system interconnecting the processors, whereby each processor can communicate with all other processors; a resource for shared access by the processors; communication means within each processor for sending an interest signal to all other processors for signalling the interest of the processor in acquiring the resource; receiving means within each processor for receiving the interest signal of every other processor; interest vector means within each processor for storing the received interest signal of every other processor; and means within each processor for interrogating the interest vector means in the processor to determine the availability of the resource.

Abstract: A durable patient chair (10) comprises a chair base frame (12) including a pair of substantially rigid, spaced apart, front legs (22); a pair of brackets (14), each bracket (14) being fixedly attached to each front leg (22) and has a downwardly extending lip (42) and a horizontal portion (44); a rearwardly extending resilient seat (16) having a front edge with a downwardly extending lip (56) for attachment to the brackets (14); and a pair of first fasteners (18) for attaching the downwardly extending lip (42) of the bracket (14) to the downwardly extending lip (56) of the seat. Preferably, a second fastener (20) is used for attaching the horizontal portion (44) of the bracket (14) to an outer surface of the seat (16) proximate to the front edge (53) to better secure the seat (16) to the bracket (14).

Abstract: A surgical device capable of cutting and removing medium to hard body tissue such as cartilage and bone from a joint region or similarly restricted interior space within the body is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a stationary carrier sized for insertion into a joint or similar restricted interior space within the body and having a first and second end. The carrier is provided with an apical aperture at the end to be inserted into the joint. A cutter is axially disposed within the carrier and is provided with at least one cutting surface at one end that protrudes from the aperture of the carrier. The cutter is further provided with an axial conduit that terminates in at least one opening on or proximate to the cutting surface of the cutter. The cutter is driven by a motor that moves the cutter in a linearly reciprocating fashion that abrades away tissue depending on the configuration of the cutting surface.

Abstract: A work glove and illuminator assembly is provided. An illuminator is securely mounted on the glove and oriented to project a light beam distally of the glove toward the work surface when the glove is in use. The illuminator may have a self-contained light source, or utilize fiber optic-transmitted light from a light source remote from the glove. The assembly may comprise a laser generator or may utilize a fiber optic-transmitted laser light from a laser generator remote from the glove. The assembly may further comprise a video camera operably attached to a video receiver, a video monitor and/or a video recorder. In one embodiment of the invention, the illuminator is disposed within the interior of the glove and projects a beam of light through a glove tip which is translucent or transparent. The assembly is particularly suitable for use by health care professionals when examining or operating upon an anatomical part of a patient.

Abstract: A method for playing a card game is set forth wherein a dealer deals an initial hand of two cards to himself and each of a plurality of players. Depending upon the count of his initial hand, the dealer draws a third card, stands or exposes his hand; the third card altering the dealer's count. Then each player in succession opts to stand or take a third card, however drawing a third card is precluded where the dealer's initial hand has a count of 8 or 9 or, if drawn, the dealer's third card is a 9. Upon completion of the dealer's and players' play, each player's hand is resolved against the dealer's to determine wins, losses and ties. The game also provides for player side bets for non-zero ties.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of electrical bioimpedance signals in a human or animal body segment. The system comprises a constant current generator for generating a periodic high frequency current output across a body segment in response to a periodic control input signal, a controller for generating a periodic control output signal to control operation of the current generator and an electrical bioimpedance detector for detecting a voltage generated across the body segment by the flow of current in the segment. The electrical bioimpedance detector generates an output signal indicative of bioimpedance in the body segment. The periodic generation of a current across a body segment alleviates the potentially detrimental effects of a continuous current on body segment tissue and reduces interference with the function of certain pacemakers.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of electrical bioimpedance signals in a human or animal body segment. The system comprises a constant current generator for generating a periodic high frequency current output across a body segment in response to a periodic control input signal, a controller for generating a periodic control output signal to control operation of the current generator and an electrical bioimpedance detector for detecting a voltage generated across the body segment by the flow of current in the segment. The electrical bioimpedance detector generates an output signal indicative of bioimpedance in the body segment. The periodic generation of a current across a body segment alleviates the potentially detrimental effects of a continuous current on body segment tissue and reduces interference with the function of certain pacemakers.