Abstract: A device and method which comprises a sensing surface on a membrane, solid surface or electrode, where the sensing surface contains a dye or chromophore chosen in relation to a particular target substance to be detected and quantified. The dye or chromophore is of a type which produces an electrical signal upon illumination. The particular dye or chromophore chosen for a particular target substance is one in which the presence of the target substance causes a change in the electrical signal produced. The presence of the target substance modifies the expected photo-induced charge movements (PICM) produced by the sensing surface upon illumination. The photo-induced charge movements produce signals which are detected by electronic circuits, and the presence and concentration of the target substance is determined by analyzing the difference between the PICM of the target sample versus the PICM of a control sample lacking the target substance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic nutritional compound for treating and supporting the immune response in a mammal, particularly a human baby or child, and the treatment method. Additionally, the therapeutic nutritional compound can be used in conjunction with a vaccine or immunization regimen to reduce the potential undesirable effects caused by other components of the vaccine. The therapeutic nutritional compound can include glutathione, selenium, zinc and antioxidants.

Abstract: A form for creating cavities within large concrete structures, wherein the formed is created by interconnecting a plurality of section members, the section members having flexible mold skeleton members retaining polymer-aggregate panel members, and wherein the form may be internally pressurized to increase its rigidity and weight-bearing capability. The mold skeleton members have annular and longitudinal flanges that are used as planing guides to form the external surface of the polymer-aggregate panel members. Preferably, spacer members are inserted between the annular and longitudinal flanges and the spacer members are used as planing guides. The adjacent section members are mechanically joined to each other, such that the form may be disassembled and re-used.

Abstract: A modular slotted drain assembly having a slotted drainpipe, one or more base drain members positioned in communication with the slot of the drainpipe, and one or more reducer drain members stacked atop the base drain members. The reducer drain members have non-parallel upper and lower edges, such that one end of a reducer drain member is taller than its other end. An assembly is created such that the slope of the upper edges of the reducer drain members is not parallel to the drainpipe axis, allowing the upper edges of the reducer drain members to correspond to the slope of the ground surface.

Abstract: A hydro electric turbine having a flexible, collapsible front shroud, the upstream open end of the front shroud being controlled by a draw line passing through purse rings, whereby the upstream end can be closed by drawing on the draw line, thereby stopping water flow through the turbine. Decreased drag allows the turbine to rise to the surface. Opening the upstream end so that water flows into the turbine increases drag to lower the turbine into the water and causes rotation of the turbine blades.

Abstract: A deodorizing apparatus for suppressing odor emanating from a cigarette butt containment vessel. The cigarette butt containment vessel includes a partially enclosed basin cavity into which cigarette butts are collected. In accordance with the present invention, the deodorizing apparatus includes an odor absorption device mounted within the basin cavity of the cigarette butt containment vessel. The odor absorption device includes an absorptive material housing constructed of an air-permeable fabric or mesh that retains the odor absorptive material while permitting airflow between the basin cavity and the interior of the absorptive material housing.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration unit for cooling a refrigerated space, the unit comprising an evaporator unit that is separable from a condensing unit, the evaporator unit and condenser unit being connected by extended lengths of flexible hosing, such that the evaporator unit can be positioned within the space and the condenser unit positioned external to the space during cooling operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating multiple tool bits, all being independently powered through flexible shafts by a single motor, wherein each flexible shaft is connected to a dedicated docking station, and the single drive motor is operatively connected to a given docking station only when the particular tool bit dedicated to that particular docking station is desired to be operational. The motor is translated along a track corresponding to the pathway defined by the docking stations.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, where retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to prevent excessive movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine.

Abstract: A lifting tool for use with a standard rib or chest retractor device where the tool acts to obliquely lift and spread open an incision, the chest wall and ribs, the tool having a pair of extended hook members disposed generally parallel and co-planarly on a mounting flange member.

Abstract: An improved truck bed toolbox lid and a method of producing the same. The truck bed toolbox lid includes an outer metallic sheet layer comprising a generally rectangular top sheet member, a longitudinal front edge member, two lateral edge members and a longitudinal rear edge member. A metallic liner sheet member is disposed inside the top sheet member in edge contact abutment with beveled inside edges of the front and rear longitudinal edge members and the lateral edge members to create an internal cavity in which the liner is by stitch welding. One or more injection ports are provided through the liner sheet member through which a self-expanding and self-curing, relatively high-density, foam is injected. The stitch welded edge contacts leave non-welded, gas permeable junctions along the wedged cavity periphery at a funneled apex of the edge contacted boundary which facilitate expansion of the foam toward the outermost edges of the cavity.

Abstract: A golf ball dispensing and teeing device comprising a ball receptacle for retaining a suitably large quantity of golf balls and delivering them to a ball release mechanism. The ball release comprises an actuator for release of balls from the ball receptacle onto a pivoting ball delivery mechanism, and a pivoting trigger member that controls the release such that balls are released individually. The trigger member is biased to provide a push to the ball and the ball delivery mechanism. The ball delivery mechanism is an elongated track or ramp, and the weight of the golf ball on the track and the push from the trigger member causes the track to pivot downward, such that the ball rolls down the track. A ball teeing structure is provided at the end of the track, and comprises a spout member of generally tubular configuration that stops the lateral movement of the ball and controls its position in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A macroencapsulation container having in combination an inner container member with an inner lid member and an inner body member, and an outer container member with an outer lid member and an outer body member, the inner container member being composed of a thermoplastic polymer material that can be thermo-welded or thermo-bonded to itself by melting. The outer container is composed of a metal. At least one electric resistance wire is embedded in or mounted onto the inner lid member along the area of contact with the inner body member, such that the inner lid member may be thermo-bonded to the inner body member to create an integral, one-piece inner container member encapsulating any material or containers disposed within.

Abstract: An improved nasal cannula and cannula support structure. In a preferred embodiment, an integrated nasal cannula and cannula support device comprise a semi-rigid mono-lumen cannula design comprising a generally L-shaped mono-lumen strut terminating at its distal end with an oxygen supply barrel. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention designed for use with conventional delivery tube pair cannula designs, a nasal cannula support device includes a ridge pole retainer comprising a generally L-shaped strut having a long leg and a short leg. The cannula support is anchored to the wearer's nose and/or forehead such that the cannula delivery tubes and supply barrel are maintained in fixed alignment regardless of the wearer's head motion.