Abstract: A light analysis system for analyzing light transmitted through an ampoule includes a housing having at least one. receptacle for the ampoule, a cover for substantially preventing ambient light from affecting the receptacle and having an interior reflective surface, and a master control system. Each receptacle includes at least one light source and a photodetector positioned such that the light from the light source passes through the receptacle (and thereby the ampoule and its contents) prior to entering the photodetector. According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the receptacles are provided preferably at a 30° to 45° angle relative to vertical. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the light source is at least one LED which is directed to transmit light upward into the reflective surface of the cover such that the light is reflected by the cover downward into the receptacle toward the photodetector.

Abstract: A digital video signal monitoring apparatus comprises means (2,4,6) for receiving a digital video signal and extracting therefrom a plurality of digital signals, each of which comprises a plurality of successive digital sample values. The apparatus further comprises means (10) for interpolating additional digital values intermediate the successive samples of the or each extracted digital signal and means for displaying the waveform of the or each extracted digital signal as a series of discrete points corresponding to its respective digital sample values and interpolated digital values. Thus, none of the original signal information is lost in displaying a signal waveform having a substantially continuous appearance.

Abstract: A shingling nip roll is added between an infeed conveyor and a reciprocating table. The nip roll slows the speed of the sheets thereby reducing bruising and buckling as sheets are ejected to the table. Further, the trailing end of a dropped sheet is overlapped by a leading end of the next upstream sheet which assists in maintaining control of the dropped sheet as it drops onto the reciprocating table.

Abstract: A data processing method for an environmental certification program is provided which defines a plurality of predefined criteria which must be met by a participant in the program in order to be provided with a privilege of providing a certification mark for use on goods and in advertising materials of the participant. The data processing method tracks the compliance by the participant with the environmental certification program, and further evaluates the continued certification of a participant in the program. Preferably, continued certification requires achieving additional predefined criteria while maintaining the predefined criteria which led to initial certification. Moreover, compliance with the predefined criteria is preferably ensured with periodic on-site verification.

Abstract: A roller coaster ride includes a pair of spaced apart parallel tracks and a car assembly. The car assembly includes a superstructure with wheels which engage the track and a passenger compartment which is coupled to the superstructure but force-isolated from it by force controlling devices. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the force controlling devices include springs and pneumatic cylinders. The pneumatic cylinders are preferably controlled by an electrically operated pump/valve in response to signals from the roller coaster operator and/or a computer. The passenger compartment is preferably provided with a plurality of sensors for sensing velocity and acceleration as well as the condition of doors and restraints. According to one embodiment of the invention, the outputs from sensors are transmitted to the roller coaster operator and the operator manually activates pumps/valves to alter the forces acting on the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A composite thermoset polymer matrix structure having a plurality of homogeneously bonded thermoset polymer layers and a method of forming the same is disclosed. Each of the layers is formed from either a pure thermoset polymer resin or a composition of any of a variety of thermoset polymer resins and any of a variety of agents or combination of agents heterogeneously dispersed and suspended within the thermoset polymer resin. In this manner, each layer exhibits a distinct desirable functional property or characteristic depending upon an intended application. The agents are selected from a group of additives including but not limited to anti-microbial agents, anti-fungal agents, anti-viral agents, anti-thrombotic agents, friction reducing agents; radiopaque agents, and electrically conductive or resistive agents. The composite thermoset polymer matrix structure may be formed into any size or any shape, object, or structure.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: A toaster mechanism includes a base, a carriage movable relative to the base and including a hook and a switch bar, a first switch associated with heating elements of the toaster and supported by the base and being activated by the switch bar, a timer-deactivated electromagnet supported by the base, a catch block movably supported by the base and including a bearing surface against which the hook can bear to move the block, a catch surface to catch the hook, a ferrous part interacting with the electromagnet, and an activating surface. A second switch is associated with the electromagnet and is in series electrically with the first switch. The first switch receives electric current only when the second switch is closed by the activating surface of the catch block. This ensures that toast does not burn if it is jammed in the toaster after a specified toasting time.

Abstract: A family of high speed transistors and optoelectronic devices is obtained on a monolithic substrate with an epitaxial layer structure comprised of two modulation doped transistor structures, one inverted with respect to the other. The transistor structures are obtained by modification of the Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistor (PHEMT) structure and are combined in a unique way to create a thyristor structure. The thyristor structure may be used as a digital modulator, a transceiver, an amplifier and a directional coupler. These devices may be realized as either waveguide or vertical cavity devices. The vertical cavity construction enables resonant cavity operation of all device modes. In addition to the multiple optoelectronic properties, the structure also produces inversion channel bipolar devices termed BICFETs having either electrons or holes as the majority carrier and heterostructure FETs with both electron and hole channels.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include one or more carrier structures each carrying a radioactive isotope, a ceramic spacer or collar member, a metal ring about the ceramic member, and a capsule formed from two tubular parts, each part including a closed end, an open end, and an interior. The open ends of the capsule abut the metal ring and are preferably welded thereto to form a generally uniform capsule wall such that the carrier structure(s) and ceramic member are contained in the interior of the capsule. The ceramic spacer preferably is hollow and a radiopaque or MRI-visible marker extends therethrough. Each of the embodiments is designed to provide a substantially isotropic distribution of radiation.

Abstract: An implantable radiation therapy device includes a biocompatible radiotranslucent outer capsule containing a radiation shielding element and a radioactive isotope at least partially shielded by the shielding element. When the device is at or below body temperature, radiation is prevented or limited from being transmitted through the outer capsule by the shielding element. When non-ambient energy is applied to the device, the shielding element and radioactive isotope are reconfigured such that an increased level of radiation is transmitted through the outer capsule and emitted by the device.

Abstract: An IC package includes a high thermal conductivity insulating material substrate, such as polycrystalline diamond, on which the IC is mounted for thermal management. The electrical lead pins of the package are electrically connected to the IC and thermally connected to the substrate.

Abstract: There is described a collapsible wall unit for clothes which has at least one frame unit which is of generally triangular shape and consists of a first plate portion, a rod portion, and a second plate portion. A rail can be positioned between the frame units and used to support clothes. Alternatively, clothes can be hung on the rod portion of a single frame unit. When not in use, the frame unit can be disassembled and rests against the wall.

Abstract: A port device is insertable between the ribs of a patient and functions as an entryway for surgical instruments. The port device includes a tubular body having proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of the tubular body is coupled to a swivel adapted to be moved between a first orientation in which the swivel extends in substantially a same direction as the body, and a second orientation at an angle relative to, and preferably substantially perpendicular to, the first orientation. In the second orientation, the swivel engages the inside of the chest wall. The proximal portion of the tubular body has a clamping assembly which clamps the chest wall against the swivels to secure the port in its location. The port body can be anchored in a various angular positions.