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: Gas is supplied to a gas flow modulator having a tubular member with a gas flow passage extending through the tubular member. A slide member in the gas flow passage is axially slidable longitudinally along the passage. Springs within the tubular member in opposite directions on the slide member so as to resiliently bias the slide member towards a predetermined position in the gas flow passage. A flow constrictor means is fixedly positioned within the gas flow passage for constricting gas flow along the gas flow passage, the slide member and the flow constrictor means being shaped to cease the flow of gas along the gas flow passage upon displacement of the slide member in a first direction from the predetermined position by means of an electromagnetic induction coil extending around the exterior of the tubular member and in cooperation with a magnetic material forming at least part of the slide member or secured thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multifunctional thrombo-resistant coatings for use with biomedical devices and implants, such as a coating which includes a siloxane surface onto which a plurality of amine functional groups have been bonded. Covalently bonded to the amine functional groups are a plurality of poly(ethylene oxide) chains, such that a single poly(ethylene oxide) chain is bonded to a single amine functional group. A plurality of different bioactive molecules, designed to counteract specific blood-material incompatibility reactions, are covalently bonded to poly(ethylene oxide) chains, such that a single bioactive molecule is coupled to a single polyethylene oxide chain.The methods of manufacturing the present invention include preparing a material having a siloxane surface onto which a plurality of amine functional groups have been bonded. This is achieved by plasma etching with ammonia gas or by plasma polymerization of a siloxane monomer in the presence of ammonia gas.

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: 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: 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 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: The present invention is directed to thrombo-resistant coatings for use with gas permeable biomedical devices and implants. The coatings include a siloxane surface onto which a plurality of amine functional groups have been bonded. Covalently bonded to the amine functional groups are a plurality of poly(ethylene oxide) chains, such that a single poly(ethylene oxide) chain is bonded to a single amine functional group. A quantity of at least one bioactive molecule designed to counteract a specific blood-material incompatibility reaction is covalently bonded to the poly(ethylene oxide) chains, such that a single bioactive molecule is coupled to a single polyethylene oxide chain.The methods of manufacturing the present invention include preparing a material having a siloxane surface onto which a plurality of amine functional groups have been bonded. This is preferably achieved by plasma etching with ammonia gas.

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 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.

Abstract: Polishing compositions and methods are provided for removing scratches and other imperfections from a variety of plastic surfaces in order to improve clarity and optical quality. Such polishing compositions include a solid polishing material, water, and an organic solvent containing undecane or any equivalent solvent. They can also include a stabilizing agent such as carnauba wax to keep the other ingredients suspended or otherwise mixed together. The polishing compositions are applied using buffing pads made from a variety of materials, including open-cell polyurethane, fleece wool, cotton, or synthetic materials. The compositions are applied by hand or using a hand-held rotary, orbital, or oscillating buffing machine, and are also compatible with existing scratch removal machines, such as robotic machines used to restore airplane windows.

Abstract: A foldable framework for supporting a belt conveyor which comprises a fixed sloping support frame (1,2), a movable support frame (4,5) connected to an upper end of the fixed frame with a first universal type connection (3), and a support leg (6) connected at its lower end to the fixed frame (1,2) with a second universal type connection (9) and connected at its upper end to the movable frame (4,5). A power-operated device (8) is connected between the support leg (6) and the movable frame (4,5). The power-operated device is operative to cause the movable frame (4,5) to pivot about the first universal type connection (3) between an operative conveyor-support position and a laterally displaced, inoperative position suitable for storage and transport of the framework and any conveyor supported thereby.

Abstract: A protective covering and method of use for preventing contamination of a syringe used to deliver material to a surface, so as to permit subsequent reuse of the syringe. The syringe comprises a barrel containing the material, a plunger for expelling the material from the barrel, and a removable delivery tip. The protective covering includes a collapsible sleeve for enclosing the syringe so as to provide a barrier to protect the syringe from contamination by an environment. A first and a second portion form the collapsible sleeve. The first portion has a width greater than the widest portion of the syringe. The second portion has a width smaller than the first portion which conforms to the width and length of the barrel so as to provide a snug fit around the barrel. An aperture is formed at the end of the collapsible sleeve through which a portion of the removable delivery tip passes when the syringe is inserted into the sleeve so that that portion of the tip is exposed to the outside environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions. The preferred embodiment utilizes a syringe barrel as a mixing chamber and for dispensing of the mixed components. A mixer element, preferable including a paddle member and finger grip means for rotating the paddle member, is provided for insertion into the syringe barrel to effect the desired mixing. A scraper element is used to scrape mixed components from the mixer element so as to retain the mixed components within the syringe barrel upon removal of the paddle member after mixing is completed. Mixing is preferably performed with the multiple components placed in side-by-side orientation within the syringe barrel rather than one on top of another.

Abstract: A hydratable iontophoretic bioelectrode including a plurality of layers of material capable of absorbing and holding an ionized fluid when placed in contact with the fluid. In one embodiment, a layer of a highly crosslinked dry hydrogel is used with a second layer of a more lightly crosslinked dry hydrogel. When the lightly crosslinked hydrogel layer is located so as to be in contact with the skin during iontophoresis, the medicament ions will be concentrated next to the skin. When the more highly crosslinked layer is located next to the conductive member, the undesirable effects of hydrolysis or corrosion of the conductive member are lessened. In another embodiment, adjacent layers are maintained at least partially out of contact from one another so as to improve the rate of hydration by disposition between the layers of spacing elements such as sugar or other dissolvable particles or cellulose or by forming a three dimensional pattern thereon.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vibratory screening apparatus comprising a frame having a pair of opposed screen frame sides, a multi-deck screen mounted on the frame sides, and a shaft-driven vibratory mechanism coupled with the screen in order to impart vibration energy thereto so as to assist the screening operation. The vibratory mechanism comprises a pair of stubshafts associated one with each of the frame sides. A respective pair of bearing housings support each stubshaft on each frame side. The bearing housings of each respective pair are spaced apart from each other, and a respective counterweight is mounted on each stubshaft in the space between the housings. The counterweights are rotatable with the stubshaft so as to apply vibration energy to the stubshaft, and therefrom to the screen via the bearing housings and the frame sides. Drive motors are coupled with each stubshaft and are arranged to be driven in synchronism in order to apply synchronous rotary motion to each stubshaft.