Abstract: The invention comprises an improved construction member and a plate therefor wherein the construction member comprises an upper and a lower chord preferably interconnected by a web or strut and rigidly joined by a perpendicular spacer lock plate or plurality of plates or by a combination of a perpendicular rectangular spacer guide plate and opposing lock plates. The novel spacer lock plate adds considerable strength and stability to the construction member.

Abstract: Peripheral devices of a microprocessor controlled system initiate service request signals which are sent to a system controller over a single dedicated request line. Such request signals are accepted by the system controller on a priority basis, with only one service request signal being honored at any given time. Once honored, the system controller addresses the peripheral device and accepts a vector request word therefrom. The vector request word is then used by the system controller to generate an index signal to select a microaddress of the microroutine to be used to service a peripheral device's request.

Abstract: A programmable multi-channel audio playback system includes a tape having recorded thereon a plurality of segments of information on multiple channels, with the segments being separated by gaps containing no information, control apparatus for causing the tapes to move and for controlling such movement, reading apparatus for reading the information segments from the tape as the tape is moved, speaker apparatus for producing audio sounds from the information segments read by the reading apparatus, a microprocessor responsive to input signals for signalling the control apparatus to control movement of the tape and for signalling the speaker apparatus to control production of the audio sounds, and a manually operable keyboard for generating input signals which are supplied to the microprocessor. By keying certain information on the keyboard, the microprocessor is programmed to cause the reading from the tape of selected information segments and the production of audio sounds therefrom.

Abstract: A composition and method for use with peritoneal dialysis patients for preventing or treating dialysis induced peritonitis. The method utilizes a flush solution of normal saline to prepare the peritoneal cavity for infusion of a dilute iodine solution which operates to kill pathogenic organisms contained therein. The dilute iodine solution has a combination I.sub.2 and HIO concentration in the approximate range of 0.1 ppm to 15 ppm and requires residence time of less than five minutes to provide an effective kill. The serial application of flush and dilute iodine solutions may be applied as part of a regular peritoneal dialysis program to prevent peritonitis or may be used with greater frequency as treatment for existing dialysis induced peritonitis.

Abstract: A dynamic method and apparatus for determining the rate of expiration of a selected fluid constituent expired by a living subject during respiration. The apparatus includes a fluid path system which conducts the expired air to a first fluid detector which produces a first signal operable as a function of concentration for the selected fluid constituent. The signal registered by the detector is used for later comparison with a second signal which provides the basis for determining the expiration rate of fluid constituent originally present in the expired air. To make this determination, the fluid constituent is removed from the expired air, with the expired air being advanced to a mixing chamber where a second detection means senses the fluid concentration.

Abstract: A conformable seatback cover adapted for ease in installation while retaining a professionally fitted appearance, and constructed of heavy, non-stretchable material. The conformable structure of the cover is developed by prestructured front and back panels which correspond generally in dimensions to the front and back surfaces of a vehicle seatback, the tight fitting appearance being accomplished by the use of stretchable side panels which join the respective front and back surfaces in a snug fit to said seatback.

Abstract: Performance monitor apparatus is adapted to monitor various computer program events such as the length of time required to execute a particular program, the number of times a particular program or instruction sequence is executed during some predetermined period, etc. The apparatus includes a buffer for receiving an instruction data word from a data processor and for temporarily storing the data word, a register having a plurality of bistable elements each of which is adapted to produce either a first or second output signal in response to receipt of a first or second operation signal respectively and receipt of a select signal, a select logic circuit for applying a select signal to a particular bistable element identified by certain bits of the instruction data word stored in the buffer, and an operation logic circuit for supplying to the bistable elements either a first or second operation signal as determined by certain other bits of the instruction data word stored in the buffer.

Abstract: Weather forecasting apparatus for producing a visual indication of a weather forecast in response to supplied information, with such supplied information including current weather conditions, current wind speed and wind direction, geographical region information, and season of the year information. The apparatus includes a keyboard upon which such information may be entered, encoders for encoding the information, a display section for lighting one of a plurality of lamps to indicate forecasted weather, and read only memory elements having a plurality of memory locations for storing weather forecast data and for supplying the weather forecast data to the display section from memory locations specified by the coded data. Temperature and relative humidity detecting circuitry may also be included in the apparatus for providing a visual indication of the current temperature and current relative humidity.

Abstract: A method of sublevel caving and pillar and top coal extraction for mining thick coal seams includes the advance mining of rooms and crosscuts along the bottom of a seam to a height of about eight feet, and the retreat mining of the top coal from the rooms, crosscuts and portions of the pillars remaining from formation of the rooms and cross-cuts. In the retreat mining, a pocket is formed in a pillar, the top coal above the pocket is drilled, charged and shot, and then the fallen coal is loaded by a continuous miner so that the operator remains under a roof which has not been shot. The top coal from that portion of the room adjacent the pocket is then mined, and another pocket is formed in the pillar. The top coal above the second pocket is mined followed by the mining of the top coal of that portion of the room adjacent the second pocket, all by use of a continuous miner which allows the operator to remain under a roof portion which has not been shot.

Abstract: A switching unit selectively couples together various combinations of audio subsystems from three or more different groups of such subsystems, to thereby allow a complete audio system to be "constructed" for use. The switching unit is designed to be used in sales showrooms or similar environments where it is desired to demonstrate several different combinations of audio subsystems. The switching unit permits any one subsystem of a first group, typically source subsystems such as turntables, tuners, and tape-decks, to be connected to any one subsystem of a second group, typically amplifier subsystems. The switching unit further permits the subsystem of the second group to be connected to any one subsystem of a third group, typically speaker subsystems. The selection of the particular subsystems from each group may be controlled by a hand-held remote selector, thereby allowing the user thereof to walk around the showroom floor as the various selections are made.

Abstract: Oxygen and water impurities are cleaned from hydrogen, which is to be stored in tanks containing a hydride-forming metallic alloy, using a novel, self-cleaning filter system. The impurity-containing hydrogen gas is first passed through a catalyst bed comprising a catalyst which is adapted to convert oxygen in the presence of hydrogen to water. The gas then passes through an adsorbent capable of adsorbing water from the gas stream, thereby substantially removing water impurities from the hydrogen gas. The purified hydrogen gas is charged into a storage tank containing a hydride-forming metallic alloy which absorbs the hydrogen by reacting therewith to form hydrogen-loaded metallic hydride. When the storage tank is to be discharged, the hydrogen-loaded metallic hydride in the tank is treated to release hydrogen gas therefrom. The released gas is passed back through the adsorbent, thereby cleaning the adsorbent of water impurities deposited therein when the tank was being charged with hydrogen.

Abstract: A steric field-flow fractionation system including a flow channel adapted for use with a carrier stream of fluid having particles suspended therein and a force field disposed across the flow channel to cause migration of the particles to a restraining wall, thereby forming layers of particles at the restraining wall. The strength of the force field is adjusted sufficiently high to maintain the particles of a given class at the restraining wall such that particle distance from the wall is a function of steric hindrance. Particle displacement by flow along the channel is thereby determined by particle size, permitting fractionation of the particles based on differential migration of the various sizes of particle classes.

Abstract: A multi-speed tape cassette system includes a tape cassette having a removable tab centrally located over a cavity disposed on the leading edge thereof, and a tape player operable to reproduce information contained on the tape cassette at one speed if the cassette tab is in place, and at another speed if the cassette tab is removed. The tape player includes a receptacle for receiving and holding the cassette, a two-position control switch normally biased to a second position, and operable to a first position when the tape cassette including the tab is placed in the receptacle. The control switch remains in the second position when the cassette with the tab removed is placed in the receptacle. The tape player also includes apparatus responsive to the control switch being in the first position for operating the tape cassette at the normal speed, and responsive to the control switch being in the second position for operating the tape cassette at a lower speed.

Abstract: Game apparatus including a gameboard having an arrangement of pairs of columns, each column pair having its members aligned in opposing orientation and being arranged in side-by-side relation to others pairs of columns, each column being broken into segments for defining movement positions for markers along each column length. A center line divides the gameboard into two opposing sides, with each side having a forward section with segments highlighted to distinguish them from segments of a rearward section. Markers are placed in each segment of the rearward section and forward movement of such markers is initiated by player involvement in drawing a card, spinning a pointer, or throwing dice to determine the player's right to move into the forward section. In a preferred use of the subject game apparatus, the object of play is to locate all of one's markers in the forward section of any given column.

Abstract: An oxygen consumption monitor system suitable for use in measuring oxygen uptake in neonates wherein the system includes a check valve system in combination with a high flow, positive-end-expiratory-pressure respirator for supplying a high volume, controlled flow of oxygen through a flow circuit which includes (1) a primary flow line for carrying most of the oxygen supply through a respirator circuit maintained at a positive pressure, and (2) a secondary outlet communicating from said primary flow line through the check valve combination to permit inspiration of oxygen from the respirator circuit and expiration to a separate chamber for measurement of oxygen consumption. Minimal deadspace is developed in the check valve combination to insure fresh oxygen supply with each inspiration by the neonate. The use of opposing oneway valves at inlet and outlet locations of the valve combination permits use of a single opening for coupling to an endotrachael tube.

Abstract: A cutting device for trimming grass and removing soil and debris from around a sprinkler head. The device includes a shaft with a handle mounted at one end to permit the user to push down and turn the device at the same time. A tubular cutting member is mounted at the other end in combination with a foot stand for enabling the user to initially push the cutting member into the ground by standing thereon. A pair of projecting blades extend from the inner surface of the tubular member and are limited in length to permit passage of the sprinkler head therebetween. These blades are also slightly pitched to develop a digging action upon rotation of the device in the ground around the sprinkler head and attached pipe. After the device is inserted into the ground and appropriately rotated, it is withdrawn with the enclosed grass, soil and debris.

Abstract: Electrolysis apparatus and electrode structure comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a porous cathode plate, and a porous anode plate which is electrochemically compatible with the cathode, so that the anode plate and cathode plate are substantially immune from galvanic corrosion. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is disposed between the anode plate and cathode plate, and means are provided for holding the anode and cathode plates in firm contact with the opposite sides, respectively, of the membrane. In an embodiment employing a plurality of sets of electrode structures means are provided for securing the anode plate, solid polymer electrolyte membranes, and cathode plate of each electrode structure in side-by-side relationship and to secure the respective electrode structures in spaced series arrangement, with a spacer plate positioned between the individual sets of spaced electrode structures. A series of grooves is provided between the anode plate and the plate in contact therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes a rotatable cylindrical drum which includes plates mounted on the interior surface of the drum wall to extend inwardly thereof. Also included is an elongate vibratory screen disposed within the drum but supported independently of the drum. The screen includes a plurality of apertures of generally uniform size and is inclined with respect to the horizontal. A plurality of vanes are located underneath the screen to guide material falling from the screen toward one end of the drum. A feed bin is provided to introduce a first granular material onto the screen near said one end of the drum, with the particles of such granular material generally being of a size greater than the size of the apertures in the screen. A second feed bin is provided to introduce a second granular material into the other end of the drum, with the particle size of the second granular material generally being less than the size of the apertures.