Abstract: Methods are provided for the constructing of subterranean soil-cement structures in situ. The methods utilize techniques designed to prolong the period of time in which an auger machine can operate in a bore hole without encountering difficulty due to the hardening of the soil-cement mixture. The techniques utilized include a preparatory drilling phase during which a lubricating slurry may be injected. This preparatory drilling serves to break up the soil and particularly if a lubricating slurry is used, reduce friction so that final drilling may progress more quickly. After preparatory drilling, final drilling takes place. Final drilling is divided into a downward and an upward phase. Either hardening or non-hardening slurry may be introduced and consolidated with the soil during the downward phase, but only hardening slurry is typically utilized during the upward phase of final drilling.

Abstract: A defibrillator and demand pacer catheter is defined by a flexible, electrically nonconductive probe having an electrically conductive pathway longitudinally disposed therein. Attached to one end of the probe is a defibrillator electrode capable of anchoring the probe to the septum of a heart and of transmitting from said conductive pathway directly to the interior of the septum a portion of an electrical defibrillation pulse sufficient to defibrillate the heart. The defibrillation pulse is delivered in such a manner so as to avoid injuring the heart tissue immediately adjacent to the defibrillator electrode. In the preferred embodiment, the defibrillator electrode is helical; however, it is also envisioned as being a lance. Alternatively, the catheter further comprises a ground electrode, a demand pacer electrode, and a supplemental defibrillator electrode attached to the probe.

Abstract: A system for determining the hematocrit transcutaneously and noninvasively. Disclosed are a finger clip assembly and an earlobe clip assembly, each including at least a pair of emitters and a photodiode in appropriate alignment to enable operation in either a transmissive mode or a reflectance mode. At least two, and preferably three, predetermined wavelengths of light are passed onto or through body tissues such as the finger, earlobe, or scalp, etc. and the extinction of each wavelength is detected. Mathematical manipulation of the detected values compensates for the effects of body tissue and fluid and determines the hematocrit value. If a fourth wavelength of light is used which is extinguished substantially differently by oxyhemoglobin and reduced hemoglobin and which is not substantially extinguished by plasma, then the blood oxygen saturation value, independent of hematocrit, may be determined.It is also disclosed how to detect and analyze multiple wavelengths using a logarithmic DC analysis technique.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing subterranean structures, soil-chemicals mixture or soil-agents mixture by using a multi-shaft auger machine to mix soil with a chemical hardener in situ. As the auger shafts of the multi-shaft auger machine penetrate the soil, spiral flights attached to the auger shaft above the initial auger blades assist soil in passing by supporting structures located between adjacent auger shafts. The spiral flights both assist in raising the soil beyond the supporting structures and also prevent reagglomeration of the soil prior to passing by the supporting structures. The spiral flights have a diameter less than that of the auger blades attached to the shaft below the spiral flights and have a connection ranging from 360 degrees to 720 degrees around the shaft.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are disclosed for lowfat and skim milk products which have an increased creamy mouthfeel, whiter color, and taste sensations similar to milk with a high fat content. The textured milk products involves skim milk and lowfat milk being treated with a milk coagulant to partially coagulate and aggregate proteins in the milk. The enzyme-treated milks are heat-processed to denature the coagulating enzyme. The finished milk products are then cooled and stored at an appropriate refrigeration temperature.

Abstract: A cell culture media containment system is provided having a mixing bag substantially enclosed within a storage bag. Powdered cell culture media and other constituents are introduced into the mixing bag and are mixed therein. Thereafter, the reconstituted media is conveyed from the mixing bag into the storage bag undergoing sterilization during conveyance therebetween. The reconstituted cell culture media may then be stored in a sterilized condition in the storage bag or maybe dispensed into a cell growth container. In another embodiment of the present invention a plurality of storage bags or mixing bags may be utilized so that reconstituted cell culture media may be both mixed and dispensed while protein-laden cell culture media may be simultaneously harvested back into another of the plurality of storage bags.

Abstract: The invention comprises an infusion device for infusing fluids to a patient having a plurality of, preferably two, enclosed open cavities, equipped with self-sealing septums. The device comprises a housing having a base, a cap, and a dual-port stem exiting the base and communicating with the open cavities. The cap comprises a tactile raised locating ridge positioned between, and adjacent to, the septums or other self-sealing means so configured that a doctor can simultaneously determine where each septum is located as soon as he locates the single ridge. A doctor can also differentiate between each septum, and determine the location of structures associated with each septum. Furthermore, the ridge is so configured that it does not enclose an area of tissue of the patient, thereby precluding the problem of necrosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture. Hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture include materials prepared by manipulating under pressure powdered hydraulic cement compositions using known or novel powder packing, casting, or expanding techniques, such that air within the powdered hydraulic cement is successfully removed while the cement is formed into a self-supporting near net final position. Thereafter, the formed hydraulic cement article is hydrated without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: A multi-use watercraft wherein a bay, or bays, is formed in the aft portion for docking a personal watercraft (PWC). The PWC are connected to provide propulsion for the multi-use watercraft when so docked in the bay. The multi-use watercraft and the PWC may be separated and used independently while on the water. The PWC may also be docked in the bay of the multi-use watercraft while on the water. Also provided is the ability to sail the multi-use watercraft. Mast, rudders and dagger board may be installed while on the water thus allowing the multi-use watercraft to use wind for propulsion. The multi-use watercraft may be converted to sailing mode with or without the PWC being docked.

Abstract: A disposable cuvette through which to pass pulsatile flowing blood. The cuvette has a conduit with two opposed walls having a predetermined separation therebetween that varies with each pulse of the flowing blood. A sealed air pocket damps the variation of the predetermined separation. The conduit is comprised of materials which permit passage therethrough of wavelengths of selected electromagnetic radiation. The radiation is emitted from a photoemitter which, and after passing through the cuvette, is detected by a photodetector. The quantities of detected radiation are operated on by a computer which uses a spectrophotometry technique to derive therefrom a blood constituent concentration value. Preferably, both cuvette and spectrophotometry technique are used during hemodialysis to derive changes in the hematocrit value of the blood of a dialyzed patient, thereby to deduce therefrom changes in the blood volume of the patient during dialysis.

Abstract: A multi-access port is provided having a mounting flange, an access cap, and a sidewall extending from the mounting flange to the access cap. Apertures are formed in the access cap in which are fitted tubing connectors having a lower tip extending below the access cap a distance less than the distance between the mounting flange and the access cap and having an upper tip extending above the access cap. A bottom surface of the mounting flange has formed therein channels capable of providing liquid communication therethrough when the bottom surface of the mounting flange is blocked or otherwise obscured by the bottom of the media bag in which the port is affixed. The multi-access port is typically mounted in the wall of a media bag such as media bags used in cell culture media containment system.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a camper jack onto a camper body. A novel mounting bracket is used to mount a camper jack onto a camper body in a clean, attractive, and unobtrusive manner. The mounting bracket is formed of three integral flat portions, a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The three integral portions are formed into a generally z-shaped configuration wherein the second portion forms the middle of the mounting bracket, and the first and third portions extend perpendicularly from opposite ends of the second portion and in opposite directions from each other. When the mounting bracket is attached to the camper body, the first and second portions conform to the shape of a corner edge of the camper body. The third portion projects outwardly from the camper body. Once the mounting bracket is securely attached to the camper body, a camper jack can be conveniently positioned between the third portion and the second portion of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A side-firing laser fiber is provided with a directional indicator for use in determining the orientation of radiation to be emitted from the laser fiber. The laser fiber has an elongate core clad with a nylon jacket. Over a portion of the nylon jacket is placed a sleeve of heat shrinkable material. The sleeve is positioned over the jacket near the distal end of the laser fiber and is heat treated as to be joined to the laser fiber. Biocompatible ink is then applied to the sleeve to form a linear marking capable of delineating the direction of radiation to be emitted from the side-firing laser fiber. In use, the linear marking is oriented in the direction in which the radiation is to be emitted and the laser is then activated. This technique is particularly useful when the distal end of the side-firing laser fiber is obscured from view. The portion of the laser fiber to which the sleeve is attached is still visible when the distal end of the laser fiber is obscured.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for high pressure treatment of wastes without the addition of excess oxygen and without interference by corrosive deposits. Waste materials are suspended or dissolved in a processing fluid. The pressure of the fluid is raised to a pressure in the range of from about 70 psig to about 5,000 psig. A boiler is then used to heat the high pressure fluid to temperatures above the critical temperature. Solids within the boiler participate in fluidized bed particle scrubbing technology in order to minimize the fouling and corrosion occurring within the boilers during heating. From at least a portion of the vapors produced by the heating in the boiler, net energy output is produced. Useful byproducts can be produced from the vapors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for oxidizing unoxidized fuel in combustion systems in which the air and fuel are not completely and uniformly mixed, the average air fuel ratio being sufficient for complete oxidation, but portions not containing sufficient air for complete oxidation. A bed of a readily reducible metal oxide, the reduced form of this metal oxide being readily oxidized, is placed within the combustion system. The air and fuel are passed through the bed at an elevated temperature, the metal oxide oxidizing those portions not containing sufficient air for complete combustion, and then being reoxidized by those portions which contain more than sufficient air for complete combustion.

Abstract: An applicator pad for use with a polishing composition for removing scratches or other imperfections from plastic surfaces is disclosed which is generally tubular in shape, and has a bore therethrough to receive the finger of a user. The circumference of the pad is provided with a plurality of substantially flat working surfaces. The presently preferred embodiment is about two inches long, and has a hexagonal cross-section. Other preferred embodiments have a differing number of sides. The method of the invention is directed to removal of scratches from plastic surfaces through application of a suitable polishing composition to a pad and moving the pad across scratches or other imperfections to be removed. Among materials suitable for repair using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include eyeglasses, watch crystals, gauge faces, and compact discs.

Abstract: A communications card cap of being mounted in electrical communication with a laptop computer has formed therethrough an aperture so sized and shaped as to be capable of receiving a physical/electrical media connector. In use, a media connector is inserted directly into the aperture in the communications card, the aperture being in contact with a plurality of contact wires fixed within the communications card. The communications card is divided into a retractable access portion of the communications card which can be directly accessed by manipulating an actuating mechanism releasing a retention means thereby allowing a spring to push the retractable access portion of the card outside of the computer housing. The retractable access portion of the communications card may be reinserted back into the computer housing to be carried internally when not in use.

Abstract: A communications card capable of being mounted in electrical communications with a computer has formed therethrough an aperture so sized and shaped as to be capable of receiving a physical/electrical media connector. The media connector has a biased retention clip, a contact pin block, and contact pins. The retention clip has several standardized characteristics including a broad fixed end protruding from an outer surface of the contact pin block. The broad fixed end tapers abruptly at a transition notch down to a narrow free end, capable of being manipulated by a user to remove the physical/electrical media connector from the aperture in the communications card. In use, a media connector is inserted directly into the aperture in the communications card, the aperture being in contact with a plurality of contact wires fixed within the communications card.