Abstract: A zipper mechanism is stitched to one side of a base which has a layer of adhesive on the other side. A release liner covers the adhesive and includes a plurality of rows of slits which define sections which are separated from each other. The zipper mechanism is attached to the base by rows of stitches with the rows of stitches being located between sections of the release liner so the release liner can be separated from an adhesive layer covering position in sections without interference by the stitching. The zipper mechanism is formed by a method which slits the release liner just prior to stitching the zipper mechanism to the base and locating each row of stitches between adjacent rows of slits defined in the release liner.

Abstract: An accessory for coupling a torque measuring device to a container cap, especially a smooth sided closure. The accessory includes two clamp elements movably coupled together by a threaded rod so the clamps can be forced into frictional engagement with a cap. A mount block is included for coupling the torque measuring device to the clamps so cap closing torque can be measured using an inexpensive and easily used device. This device will be especially useful for laboratories, fillers and shippers of containers that have been closed with a cap having a certain amount of closure torque so the user can demonstrate to DOT that the closing torque is in the proper range.

Abstract: A circuit element includes a foam pad having a plurality of electrically conductive granules some of which are in electrical contact with each other and some of which are spaced apart from each other and an electrical path defined through the pad by the granules. The pad has a very high resistance which is a function of the geometry of the pad as well as the electrical path. The pad can be used to dissipate ESD as well as a resistor element. The pad is very versatile and can be used in a large number of situations and in conjunction with other circuit elements.

Abstract: A plug includes an element that is electrically connected to a ground element in a receptacle in a set up configuration and an electrical connection that is attached to an element to be grounded whereby an element, person, or device, or the like, can be securely grounded using the ground circuit in a receptacle. Grounding is via a suitable signal circuit in one form of the invention.

Abstract: A surgical anchor is provided with one or more anchor holes distributed around the head of the anchor. Each anchor hole is inclined to allow attachment of one or more sutures to the anchor either before, during or after the anchor is seated in a bone. The upper and lower apertures of each anchor hole are chamfered, and the chamfered areas from the anchor hole to the outside edge shall be polished or somehow smoothed to remove sharp edges and rough areas which may cause friction and abrasion to soft tissue or suture material. The lower surface of the anchor head may be angled to further simplify the task of feeding a surgical needle through the anchor hole after the anchor is seated into the bone.

Abstract: The invention is a diversity radio reception system and process of operation. At least two diversity radio signals are received each containing a sequence of corresponding data units which are each subject to an intermittent error from one to Y data units in duration wherein Y is an integer equal to at least one. Corresponding data units of the sequence of data units of the at least two diversity radio signals are compared to identify at least one corresponding data unit in the at least two diversity radio signals which differs. When no difference in at least one corresponding data unit is identified, one of the at least two sequences of corresponding data units are outputted. When at least one difference in at least one data unit of the sequence of corresponding data units is identified, each data unit within the at least one difference of the sequence of corresponding data units is processed to output each data unit within each difference having a higher probability of not containing an error.

Abstract: A backup power system is connected in parallel to a load which is powered via a power line connecting that load to a main power source, such as a utility. The backup system includes a generator/condenser unit that is coupled to a flywheel unit to maintain the flywheel of that flywheel unit rotating at a preset speed during normal power system operation and is also connected to a thermal engine to supply power to the load via the generator/condenser unit when there is an interruption of power from the main power source. A shaft coupling unit slidably couples the generator/condenser unit to the flywheel unit. The shaft coupling unit includes a slip plate. Part of the shaft coupling unit rotates in accordance with the operation of the generator/condenser unit, while with the slip plate rotates in accordance with the flywheel of the flywheel unit. Rotation of the generator/condenser unit is monitored by a sensor and rotation of the flywheel is also monitored.

Abstract: A plug includes an element that is electrically connected to a ground element in a receptacle in a set up configuration and an electrical connection that is attached to an element to be grounded whereby an element, person, or device, or the like, can be securely grounded using the ground circuit in a receptacle. Grounding is via a suitable signal circuit in one form of the invention.

Abstract: A system controls and manages administration of a therapeutic gas, such as NO, O2, or the like, to a spontaneously breathing, non-ventilated patient such that concentrated NO is as low as reasonably possible while delivering the desired amount of NO to the distal portions of the lungs. The system includes an entrainment cell that provides remote, turbulent mixing with low temporal latency and can be used with a nasal cannula or a mask. The entrainment cell uses room air to dilute the therapeutic gas; however, supplementary gases can also be used. A baffle can be included to promote mixing and a flow sensor can also be used if desired. Multiple ports can be included in the entrainment cell. An equalizing valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: Uncomfortable, disturbing or harmful electrostatic discharge is prevented or reduced by a system which reduces static charges on a person on a periodic basis as the charge is built up. Points of contact are provided which correspond to points the user will contact either by touch or by time-extended contact or continuously in the normal course of operation. The system can be used in mouse pads, the mouse itself, a keyboard, or headphones or earpieces or the like.

Abstract: A system controls and manages administration of a therapeutic gas, such as NO, O2, or the like, to a spontaneously breathing, non-ventilated patient such that concentrated NO is as low as reasonably possible while delivering the desired amount of NO to the distal portions of the lungs. The system includes an entrainment cell that provides remote, turbulent mixing with low temporal latency and can be used with a nasal cannula or a mask. The entrainment cell uses room air to dilute the therapeutic gas; however, supplementary gases can also be used. A baffle can be included to promote mixing and a flow sensor can also be used if desired. Multiple ports can be included in the entrainment cell. An equalizing valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical anchor is provided with one or more anchor holes distributed around the head of the anchor. Each anchor hole is inclined to allow attachment of one or more sutures to the anchor either before, during or after the anchor is seated in a bone. The upper and lower apertures of each anchor hole are chamfered, and the chamfered areas from the anchor hole to the outside edge shall be polished or somehow smoothed to remove share edges and rough areas which may cause friction and abrasion to soft tissue or suture material. The lower surface of the anchor head may be angled to further simplify the task of feeding a surgical needle through the anchor hole after the anchor is seated into bone.

Abstract: Wood is bent using a unit and a method in which a continuous and uninterrupted curved path is defined over a workpiece-supporting surface and form and clamp blocks are electromagnetically attached to the workpiece-supporting surface adjacent to the path. The form and clamp blocks engage a wood workpiece to force that workpiece into a shape that matches the path defined over the workpiece-supporting surface.

Abstract: An overfilled, pre-cast reinforced concrete arch bridge for supporting one pathway above a second pathway in which the projections of the pathways intersect at an oblique angle. The bridge includes a plurality of identically shaped arch elements that are offset from each other to form a staggered orientation whereby a skewed bridge is formed without specially shaped arch elements. Cover elements can be used to prevent migration of soil or water into the bridge and various forms of arch elements can be used in the bridge.

Abstract: A surgical anchor is provided with one or more anchor holes distributed around the head of the anchor. Each anchor hole is inclined to allow attachment of one or more sutures to the anchor either before, during or after the anchor is seated in a bone. The upper and lower apertures of each anchor hole are chamfered, and the chamfered areas from the anchor hole to the outside edge shall be polished or somehow smoothed to remove sharp edges and rough areas which may cause friction and abrasion to soft tissue or suture material. The lower surface of the anchor head may be angled to further simplify the task of feeding a surgical needle through the anchor hole after the anchor is seated into bone.

Abstract: A heart retractor links lifting of the heart and regional immobilization which stops one part of the heart from moving to allow expeditious suturing while permitting other parts of the heart to continue to function whereby coronary surgery can be performed on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the heart retractor of the present invention. The retractor includes a plurality of flexible arms and a plurality of rigid arms as well as a surgery target immobilizing element. One form of the retractor can be used in minimally invasive surgery, while other forms of the retractor can accommodate variations in heart size and paracardial spacing.

Abstract: A flameless igniter has a special shape and includes a flow control port to make efficient use of fuel during a flame ignition process associated with a tank burner of a fluid fuel system. The igniter uses a spark to ignite fuel and includes a handle and a spark gap whereby the igniter is effective even in difficult-to-reach locations on a tank burner.