Abstract: A stool sample collection device including a sheet of preferably foldable material which has at least three extensions formed from the sheet which meet generally at an intersection, Attachment apparatus such as a removable adhesive is located at respective ends of the extensions distal from the intersection. A cupping section is formed from the sheet generally at the intersection of the extensions. The cupping section includes at least two webbing sections: a first webbing section formed generally between a first longitudinal extension and a central or support extension and a second webbing section formed generally between the central or support extension and a second longitudinal extension. The webbing sections would preferably include fold lines to add shape and rigidity to the cupping section. The device may be used by using the attachment apparatus to attach the device to a rim of a toilet bowl so that the cupping section depends into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: An improved, combination carrying case and folding seat (10) that allows various items to be carried and upon arriving at an outdoor activity, the case can be converted to a seat that includes a backrest. The combination (10) consists of an elongated bottom enclosure (12), a first and second articulated section (14) and a pair of caps (16). The enclosure (12) has on its lower, outer surface a plurality of transverse ribs (12R,12S) that have a horizontal surface which allows the combination (10) to be maintained in an upright position. The enclosure (12), also includes a first side member (12F) and a second side member (12K) that have a first-disk protrusion bore (12G) and a second disk protrusion bore (12M) respectively as well as a seat/backrest stop rod (12T) longitudinally located across its inner surface (12D).

Abstract: A suture cutter which is adapted to clamp, sever and cauterize a thermoplastic suture. The suture cutter includes a housing having an electrical power source located in the housing and a trigger attached to the housing having open and closed positions. A suture clamp is attached to the housing and includes a stationary jaw and a pivotal jaw. A radiant heating element is adjacent to the suture clamp. An actuator connects the trigger to the pivotal jaw and electrical circuitry joins the power source to the radiant heating element. Closing of the trigger first closes the pivotal jaw against the stationary jaw to hold a suture, and then completes the circuitry to sever and cauterize the suture with radiant heat.

Abstract: A process for selectively decolorizing a fabric containing cellulosic material oxidizable colorants which comprises the steps of wetting the fabric and then contacting the wetted fabric with an oxidizing gas or vapor. The contact with the oxidizing gas or vapor is terminated before any substantial degradation of the fabric occurs.

Abstract: A process for desizing an/or color fading of fabrics and garments utilizing a reducing agent. The process is particularly for pretreating fabrics which are subsequently decolorized with oxidizing agents.

Abstract: A surgical staple inserter for joining two ducts such as a blood vessel and a blood prosthesis. The staple inserter ejects staples in a radial direction relative to the axis of the ducts. In one embodiment, it includes a staple holder surrounded by the prosthesis and containing a series of staples arranged in at least one ring. All the staples are ejected simultaneously. The staple inserter also includes an anvil outside the organic duct, and a device for spacing apart the anvil and the staple holder in relation to their relative working positions. Projections hold the prosthesis in place during the insertion of the staple holder into the ducts.

Abstract: A process for selectively decolorizing a garment containing cellulosic material which comprises the steps of providing said garment with a dye or coloring agent reactive to ozone, wetting said garment and then contacting said wetted garment with ozone or a mixture of steam and ozone whereby the ozone is reacted with the dye or coloring agent.

Abstract: Novel aqueous accelerating solutions and methods for their use in connection with metal plating of dielectric materials are disclosed and claimed. The accelerating solutions are mildly basic aqueous solutions including dilute concentrations of copper ions.

Abstract: A robot transport platform adapted for locomotion, having a base with three wheels on each side. Of the three wheels on each side, the wheels near the fore end and the aft end are omnidirectional wheels; the intermediate wheel in between the omnidirectional wheels is a conventional wheel. The omnidirectional wheels have staggered rows of spherical rollers rotatably mounted to the circumference of the wheel's hub. More precisely, the rollers are mounted to annular shafts that circumscribe the circumference of the hub, and are supported in an overlying position over the hub by radially extending spokes. Anti-rattle washers are provided in between adjacent rollers. Torque is provided by two electric motors independently operating the wheels on each side. Torque is transferred to the wheels via a gear box, a chain, and cogged drive belts. The robot transport platform is controlled by radio and accordingly has a radio receiver mounted to the base. Servo controllers are used to control the motors and gear box.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for laundering and treating garments or fabrics with an oxidizing agent. The apparatus includes a housing having a chamber containing a barrel mounted for rotation. A door is provided for placing the garments or fabrics into the chamber. Associated with the housing is a venturi mixer for introducing an oxidizing gas and a liquid into the chamber and a value for removing liquid from the chamber. Controls are is provided to selectively permit a washing, extracting and abrading cycle.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch, or alternatively a telescoping arm, for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclose the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.

Abstract: Improved methods for electroplating non-conducting substrates are disclosed utilizing aqueous alkali metal containing adhesion promoter solutions to enhance the surface deposition of colloidal metal activating catalysts to form conducting layers capable of direct electroplating. The adhesion promoter solutions contain sufficient alkali metal ions to deposit trace amounts of metal ions onto the substrate surface to be plated. Copper ions may be incorporated into the adhesion promoters to enhance this effect. These adhesion promoter solutions eliminate the swelling and related problems associated with the direct electroplating of acrylic and epoxy containing substrates. Following adhesion promoter treatment, the substrates are conditioned with a cleaner/conditioner solution and catalytically activated with a colloidal catalyst of palladium and tin forming a highly conductive catalytically treated surface which will support subsequent direct electroplating in conventional plating baths.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclose the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.

Abstract: Improved methods for electroplating non-conducting substrates are disclosed utilizing aqueous saline adhesion promoter solutions and rinse solutions to enhance the surface deposition of colloidal metal activating catalysts to form conducting layers capable of direct electroplating. One variation of the process recycles excess activating catalyst into the aqueous saline adhesion promoter to eliminate waste.

Abstract: A process for selectively decolorizing a fabric containing cellulosic material oxidizable colorants which comprises the steps of wetting the fabric and then contacting the wetted fabric with an oxidizing gas or vapor. The contact with the oxidizing gas or vapor is terminated before any substantial degradation of the fabric occurs.

Abstract: An aircraft tug assembly is provided for moving an aircraft on the ground. The tug assembly includes a self-propelled chassis responsive to operator control. A cradle assembly is pivotally attached to a front portion of the chassis. The cradle assembly has an adjustable nosewheel receiving apparatus comprising two lateral arms adjustably engaged with a rear gate to define a nosewheel receiving corral therebetween, with the corral sizable to accommodate varying sized aircraft nosewheels. The chassis has a winch for pulling an aircraft nosewheel onto the cradle assembly and into the corral. An optional front gate may be used to enclosed the nosewheel within the corral. Hydraulic actuators lift the cradle assembly with the nosewheel thereon so the tug assembly may move the aircraft without starting the aircraft engine.