Abstract: A diffusion-controlled security tag comprising a carrier containing a solution of a compound which changes color upon diffusion or evaporation of the solvent. Preferably the carrier is enveloped in a barrier film which controls the rate of diffusion/evaporation of the solvent from the carrier such that a change in the color of the carrier indicates undesirable storage or product tampering.

Abstract: A computer control system which allows precise control of movement in paralyzed muscle through functional electrical stimulation. The system includes a computer operated at a programming center under physician control, an electronically erasable and programmable read only memory removable cartridge and a remotely located second computer for controlling the operation of appropriately configured exercise equipment. By using this system, a physician can set work limits for a patient, and the patient can then exercise essentially under a physician's control but without the physician's direct and continuous supervision. In a preferred embodiment, records of the intensity and length of the workout are kept on the cartridge so that the physician can recall the data and get a graphical printout from the computer.

Abstract: Water soluble dyestuffs having at least two reactive Lewis base sites are polymerized in a condensation reaction with group IVB metallocenes or group IVA organohalides to yield linear or crosslinked, and colored and/or fluorescent polymeric products. The polydyes are useful in providing permanent coloration of paper, plastics, textiles, paints and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stimulating muscular activity in an acutely injured patient. A leg which is to be stimulated is strapped into a brace, and the leg muscles are stimulated to work isometrically against the brace. The effort exerted by the muscles is measured by load cells which generate feedback signals for a control computer. The computer adjusts the stimulation signals in accordance with the received feedback signals.

Abstract: A system for exercising paralyzed human limbs by functional electrical stimulation. The system utilizes simple analog devices including a reference signal generator, a position sensor and an error signal generator. The error signal is integrated to produce a stimulation driving signal for application to stimulation electrodes mounted on the limb. In the disclosed embodiment the paralyzed person may be seated in an exercise chair. The chair is equipped with a pair of loading assemblies which may be attached to the legs of the person so as to yieldingly resist stimulated movement thereof.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a grasping action by a paralyzed hand. The system includes a sensor arrangement for detecting movement of a shoulder by the paralyzed person. The sensor transmits shoulder movement signals to a computerized controller which generates stimulation signals for stimulation electrodes mounted within a cuff worn about the forearm which supports the hand to be stimulated. Closed loop control is accomplished by use of a glove to which are attached a length sensor and a pressure sensor connected for alternative selection. Stimulation of deeply buried muscles is accomplished by arranging the stimulation electrodes into side-by-side electrode sets which are so positioned as to produce focusing of stimulation energy at the location of the subject muscle.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for reversing osteoporosis in human limbs which comprises a crank assembly adapted to attach to the distal ends of a pair of human limbs such as the legs, a motor for rotating the crank assembly so that the limbs move along a predetermined path, a vibrator for vibrating the crank assembly, thereby transmitting vibrations to the limbs, and a control for regulating the amplitude of the vibrations transmitted to the limbs. In a preferred embodiment, the control includes an accelerometer adapted to be mounted on a supported limb to generate a signal proportional to the amplitude of the vibrations actually felt by the limbs. The signal is used to modify the amplitude of electric current generated by the control to power the vibrator such that the amplitude of driving vibrations generated by the vibrator is proportional to the amplitude of vibrations felt by the limbs so that the amount of vibration of the limbs is maintained within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A computer algorithm and hardware are disclosed for feedback control of movement in man for standing and walking. The system measures motion of the hips, knees and ankles and generates control signals for ten different muscle groups. Hip and knee supports are provided for restricting hip and knee movement to a common plane.

Abstract: A system for stimulating a grasping action by a paralyzed hand. The system includes a sensor arrangement for detecting movement of a shoulder by the paralyzed person. The sensor transmits shoulder movement signals to a computerized controller which generates stimulation signals for stimulation electrodes mounted within a cuff worn about the forearm which supports the hand to be stimulated. Closed loop control is accomplished by use of a glove to which are attached a length sensor and a pressure sensor connected for alternative selection. Stimulation of deeply buried muscles is accomplished by arranging the stimulation electrodes into side-by-side electrode sets which are so positioned as to produce focusing of stimulation energy at the location of the subject muscle.

Abstract: A scissors corrugating device comprising an elongate corrugating file, an upper guide attached to the file at an upper end, a lower guide attached to the file at a lower end, a frame for supporting the guides, and a vise attached to the frame and including clamping jaws tooled to firmly hold a scissors' blade vertically and at various angles beneath the file. The lower guide moves linearly in slots formed in the frame in a path which is substantially parallel to the beveled edge of the clamped scissors' blade, and the upper guide moves within a second pair of slots formed in the frame along a path which is at an angle to the path of the lower guide. With each stroke of the file across the beveled edge of a clamped scissors' blade, the paths cause the guides and file to travel across the beveled edge and downwardly to score corrugations evenly, with repeatability along the beveled edge, and provide an improved mechanical advantage.

Abstract: An exercising method and apparatus for use in the treatment of paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load, and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. The exercise routine is disclosed as being conducted upon the leg of a subject seated in a specially designed exercise chair.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a chassis, a pair of side wheels for supporting and driving the chassis, at least one front wheel for cooperating with the side wheels in supporting the chassis, and a seat mounted on the chassis for supporting the body of a disabled person. A pair of individually moveable footrests support the feet of the person. A driving gear is mounted for rotation concentrically and in conjunction with each of the side wheels, and a lever is pivotally mounted for rotation concentric with but independent from each of the driving gears. A pawl is mounted on each of the levers for engagement and disengagement with the corresponding driving gear. A pivoted arm and a series of rods connect each lever and pawl with one of the footrests, such that movement of the footrest by the leg of the disabled person in one direction causes the pawl to engage the driving gear and the lever to drive the gear for propelling the wheelchair.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for therapeutic treatment of persons having paralyzed legs. The apparatus and method make use of four sets of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed above the iliac and quadriceps muscles of the paralyzed person. The person is seated upon an exercycle, and a series of pulsed stimulation signals are applied to the electrodes to cause coordinated contraction of the iliac and quadriceps muscles. This causes pedaling of the exercycle by the paralyzed legs. A position sensor senses the position of the pedals and transmits an indication thereof to a computer which generates control signals for stimulation driving circuits connected to the stimulation electrodes. A pair of paddle controllers are connected to the computer for manual adjustment of the stimulation amplitude.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating a human muscle to produce a controlled response against a dynamic load. Muscle stimulation is achieved through a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes. A pulse generating circuit generates the pulsed stimulating signals at a frequency of about 60 Hz across each electrode pair. A position sensor provides a feedback signal to a computer, which in turn generates a stimulation control signal. The pulse generating circuit uses the stimulation control signal for adjusting the amplitude of the stimulation pulses. The pulse width of the stimulation pulses is disclosed as being about 500 microseconds.

Abstract: An exercising method and apparatus for use in the treatment of paralyzed muscles. The method and apparatus make use of a set of transcutaneous electrodes which are placed upon the skin of the subject over muscles which are to be stimulated. A computer controlled stimulator generates a pair of alternately pulsed stimulation signals which are applied across different pairs of stimulation electrodes to produce controlled muscle contraction. Muscle movement is resisted by a dynamic load, and a position sensor provides a feedback signal indicating the movement actually achieved. The computer uses the feedback signal for modifying the control signal applied to the stimulator. The exercise routine is disclosed as being conducted upon the leg of a subject seated in a specially designed exercise chair.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a paralyzed person includes a support frame for carrying the person, a plurality of wheels for carrying the support frame, and foot supports movably connected to the support frame for supporting the feet of the person. A drive system connected between the foot supports and at least one of the wheels drives the vehicle in response to movement of the legs of the person. A plurality of stimulation signals are generated and applied to a plurality of electrodes attached to the skin of the person for causing driving movement of the legs. Controls for selectively actuating the signal generator and for controlling the speed of the vehicle are provided.

Abstract: Solubilized cellulosic material is modified through a condensation reaction with organotin halides. The modified products exhibit lower heats of combustion in air than unmodified cellulose, are hydrophobic and resistant to hydrolysis, and inhibit the growth of a variety of common fungi. The modified products are useful as insulation materials, mildew and mold resistant fabrics, and as material for topical bandages.

Abstract: A surface friction tester in the form of a friction sled which may be pulled over a surface to determine the coefficient of friction of that surface. The sled has a friction surface characterizing a vehicle tire tread attached to the bottom of a base plate. The base plate is a part of a sled frame which also has a tongue portion. A straight spring scale attached to the tongue is used to measure the force required to pull the sled over the surface. The friction sled is especially adapted for accident investigations in order to allow the investigator to determine the coefficient of friction of the surfaces upon which skid marks exist and, thus, calculate the vehicle velocity at the time of brake locking on the basis of the skid marks left by the sliding vehicle.

Abstract: A method of preparing tetraketone precursors which are useful in the production of high temperature resistant polyquinoxaline resins. Suitable diketones are oxidized with a halogenating agent, such as cupric halide or hydrogen bromide, and dimethylsulfoxide to produce the corresponding tetraketone. The tetraketones which can be produced by the instant process have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or an aryl, substituted aryl, heterocyclic or substituted heterocyclic radical and R' is an aryl, substituted aryl, arylalkyl, arylether, arylthioether, arylsulfoxide, arylsulfone, heterocyclic or substituted heterocyclic radical.

Abstract: A polymer lined capillary column for use in gas chromotagraphy has a thin layer of ethoxycarbonyl substituted polyphenylene resin solvent deposited and uniformly coated on the interior surface of the base column as a support for a stationary phase, the resin coated column further including a separate stationary phase with the resin.