Abstract: Disclosed is a product which includes calcium carbonate and bone growth factor useful for the promotion of bone formation when implanted in the body. The calcium carbonate is preferably in the form of aragonite which can be recovered from naturally occurring coral. A preferred bone growth factor of the present invention is a protein mixture purified from bone. Also disclosed is a process for the induction of bone formation which includes implanting the product in a body. The product and process of the present invention are particularly useful in hip replacement operations, knee replacement operations, spinal fusion operations, repair of periodontal defects, treatment of osteoporosis, repair of bone tumor defects and repair of bone fractures.

Abstract: Provided is a method for testing earth samples for contamination by organic contaminants, and particularly for aromatic compounds such as those found in diesel fuel and other heavy fuel oils, kerosene, creosote, coal oil, tars and asphalts. A drying step is provided in which a drying agent is contacted with either the earth sample or a liquid extract phase to reduce to possibility of false indications of contamination that could occur when humic material is present in the earth sample. This is particularly a problem when using relatively safe, non-toxic and inexpensive polar solvents such as isopropyl alcohol since the humic material tends to be very soluble in those solvents when water is present. Also provided is an ultraviolet spectroscopic measuring technique for obtaining an indication as to whether a liquid extract phase contains aromatic organic contaminants.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed for use with a firearm scope. The lens apparatus includes first and second polarized lenses that move relative to each other. When differently colored lens materials are used and when moved relative to each other, the color seen through the two polarized lenses changes. In affixing the first and second polarized lenses to the firearm scope, first and second connection assemblies are utilized. The two connection assemblies have first and second latch release members, respectively. The two latch release members are located on the right and left sides of a scope when a user is in the normal shooting position. Upon actuation of the latch release member, pivotal movement of the polarized lenses, relative to the firearm scope lenses occurs. Each of the two connection assemblies includes a sleeve member and a cap lid. The sleeve member is flexible to surround portions of the firearm scope and is made of a material different from the cap lid material.

Abstract: A golf bag with a dual carrying strap assembly. In one embodiment, the strap assembly includes a first strap which is attached to the golf bag and interfaces with the golf bag at first and second longitudinally displaced locations. The strap assembly also includes a separate second strap which is also attached to the golf bag and which one end thereof interfaces with the golf bag at the second location and which its other end either interfaces with the golf bag at this same second location or at an intermediate location, such as at the carrying handle of the golf bag. Nonetheless, the two separate straps form two loops such that the golf bag may be supported on both of the golfer's shoulders.

Abstract: A mounting clip for installing a roofing panel onto an underlying support structure in sliding relation therewith. In one embodiment, the mounting clip generally includes a first member, having a base and first and second laterally disposed channel members, and a second member, having a platform and first and second laterally disposed leg members slidably engagable with said first and second channel members, respectively. Preferably, the clip assembly is substantially symmetrical to provide for a desired force distribution and to impart a desired degree of strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are degradable materials including molded products, laminates, foams, nonwoven materials, adhesives, coatings and films, and particularly packaging films. The materials are made using polydioxaneone polymers comprising at least two different dioxaneone-based repeating units. Preferred polymers are polydioxanediones. First repeating units have less carbon atoms in constituent groups extending from the polymer backbone than second repeating units. Physical characteristics and degradation of the materials can be varied by varying the choice and/or relative proportions of first and second repeating units in the poldioxaneone polymers. Methods for preparing polydioxaneone polymers that can be used in the manufacture of the materials are also discussed, as are suitable monomers and methods for preparing such monomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning floors. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes four wheels, two of which are steerable wheels, and a steering mechanism that permits the two steerable wheels to turn to a degree that allows very tight turns to be made by the sweeper. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper with a cylindrical side broom. Yet a further embodiment of the sweeper includes flaps or seals that form a skirt about the broom and a mounting mechanism for slidably receiving the flap or seal. In a further embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that employs flaps with wear indicators that tell an operator when to adjust or replace the flap. In another embodiment, the apparatus is a sweeper that utilizes a pre-filter to remove debris that remains in the vacuum airstream after having passed through the hopper and that is of a size that can require frequent cleaning of a subsequent filtering device.

Abstract: A structural frame is provided comprising opposed ceiling and floor channels and spaced apart, C-shaped metal studs extending vertically between the channels. Each stud has its single central web positioned transversely relative to the main plane of the frame. Pairs of short brackets are suspended from the webs of adjacent studs in opposed and vertically spaced relation. Each bracket comprises a horizontal V-shaped wall having a pair of horizontally extending shoulders and downwardly extending side walls which form vertical end edges at the end of the bracket adjacent the web. A plurality of hooks extends from the end edges. A pattern of vertical slots is formed in the stud web and the bracket hooks extend into these slots and attach to the web. The bracket is sized to fit snugly between the side flange walls of the C-shaped stud, to reinforce these flange walls so that they do not collapse inwardly when loaded.

Abstract: A magnetic head that creates erase bands on the outer edges of a track. The magnetic head has a trailing edge pole that is separated from a leading edge pole by a gap. The leading edge pole has a width that is less than the width of a center section of the trailing edge pole. The thinner leading edge pole creates a saturation of the magnetic field at the outer edges of the leading pole. Saturation at the outer edges of the leading pole prevents a full magnetization of the disk along the outer edges of the track. The poorly magnetized outer track portions will not generate a significant amount of noise in a head located above an adjacent track. The saturated outer leading pole edges in effect create an erase band along the outer edges of the track.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the inflator includes a stored gas housing and a gas generator housing. Propellant grains are contained within the gas generator and an appropriate pressurized medium is contained within the stored gas housing. Generally, the pressurized medium flows through the gas generator or an extension thereof when exiting the inflator to the air/safety bag to enhance the mixing of the pressurized medium with the propellant gases. Moreover, a rapid pressurization of a region proximate the main closure disk is used such that fluid pressure acts directly on the disk to open the same and initiate flow to the air/safety bag.

Abstract: The operational method is disclosed, for storing analog data in an electrically programmable and erasable memory cell. The memory cell includes a transistor having a source, a drain, a control gate and a floating gate, where the source, the drain and a channel region therebetween being defined in a semiconductor substrate, the floating gate operating to accumulate charge and being capacitively coupled to the source and the control gate. The method includes the steps of: erasing data in the memory cell, and storing analog data in the memory cell. The erasing step including at least the steps of: i) applying a predetermined first erase voltage to the control gate, ii) applying a ground voltage to the drain to erase the memory cell, wherein charges moved from the channel region are accumulated in the floating gate, thereby erasing data in the memory cell.

Abstract: An improved directed energy surgical method and assembly is disclosed. The method and assembly contemplate the application of a directed energy stream to tissue and the application of a liquid mist stream to the tissue to reduce or eliminate smoke at the surgical site. The invention may be advantageously implemented in an assembly having a surgical pencil for emitting the directed energy stream and liquid mist stream. The liquid mist stream is generated by the surgical pencil, preferably by atomizing a liquid stream supplied thereto (e.g., pressurized via jet atomization). The invention may be utilized in connection with conventional electrosurgical, laser surgery, ultrasound, and other techniques and devices.

Abstract: A storage system (10) is disclosed that provides random access storage/retrieval of data on data cartridges within the storage system (10). In one embodiment, the storage system (10) includes a storage array (20), a player/recorder device (22), a guard device (80) and a cartridge transport device (40). The player/recorder device (22) and the transport device (40 ) are positioned on substantially opposite sides of the storage array. The transport device (40) moves cartridges between the storage array (20) and the player/recorder device (22). The guard device (80) pushes a prolapsed data cartridge back into the storage array (20) and/or limits the distance a data cartridge will prolapse from the storage array (20).

Abstract: A leader block is provided for connection to a free end of storage tape media. The leader block includes a main body and a clamp member. The main body and clamp member define a space for receiving the free end of the storage tape media. A punch member is joined to the clamp member. The main body, the clamp member and the punch member are parts of a single, integral device that is preferably made by molding. After the storage tape media is inserted into the receiving space between the main body and the clamp member, the clamp member is caused to move relative to the main body by applying sufficient, predetermined shear forces. The punch member is also caused to move relative to the clamp member. The storage tape media is sandwiched between the main body and the clamp member using forces provided by the punch member and clamping forces caused by the main body and the clamp member.

Abstract: A dispersion strengthened copper alloy and a method for producing the alloy are provided. The alloy preferably comprises aluminum, titanium and hafnium as alloying elements that are internally oxidized under controlled conditions to produce a dispersion strengthened copper material having good hardness and high conductivity. A method for reducing the adverse effects of hydrogen on such materials is also provided. The dispersion strengthened material can be useful in many applications, including welding electrodes and electrical contacts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a musical instrument, especially a keyboard instrument such as a piano. In one embodiment, a keyboard instrument is provided which is operable for producing a musical sound. The keyboard instrument is used in combination with a musical staff on which a musical composition has been recorded. The staff has a structure that corresponds with the arrangement of keys on a keyboard such that notes recorded in spaces on the staff correspond to white keys of the keyboard instrument and notes recorded on lines correspond to black keys of the keyboard instrument. The keyboard instrument is operated by depressing the appropriate corresponding white key for a note recorded on a space of the staff and depressing the appropriate black key for a note recorded on a line of a staff.

Abstract: A multifunctional baby device including a substantially toroidal shaped cushion having at least one strap for preferably removably securing a play toy to the device. The device may also include a mat integrally interconnected with the cushion for providing a clean, soft surface. This mat may define an interior portion of the cushion and may also extend beyond to cushion to provide a suitable surface for diaper changing. A baby may be placed in the cushion in a supine position whereupon the cushion provides support to the baby's head, or in a prone position whereupon the cushion provides support to the baby's chest. Preferably, the toys are interconnected with the support such that they are accessible only when the baby is in the noted prone position.

Abstract: A hard disk drive assembly which is small enough to meet the PCMCIA type I or type II formats and which has an outer layer of elastomer material which seals the assembly and absorbs external shock or vibrational loads applied to the drive unit. The disk drive unit includes a housing which encapsulates a magnetic disk and accompanying hardware required to read and write information onto the disk. The housing typically contains a cover plate and a base plate which are attached to a frame. Connected to the outer edges of the plates and frame is a layer of elastomer material. The elastomer seals the covers to the frame and absorbs external loads that are applied to the edges of the housing.

Abstract: A copper alloy plumbing fixture containing interdispersed lead particles coated noncontinuously on a water contact surface to resist the leaching of lead into potable water systems. The leach resistant fixture is prepared by immersing conventional copper alloys in a bismuth nitrate solution, selectively and noncontinuously coating the lead dispersoid particles on the water contact surface with bismuth. Tin may be substituted for bismuth to obtain similar results.