Abstract: The presence of particulate debris flowing in a hydraulic fluid flow system includes a source of infra-red light passing through a window of the fluid flow line while fluid is flowing therethrough. A portion of the light is directed to a monitoring photodiode prior to reaching the fluid flow line. A detector photodiode is positioned to receive light passing through the flow line, the hydraulic fluid flowing therethrough and out of a second window. A trap is positioned between the hydraulic fluid flow line and the detector photodiode to prevent the direct rays of light from reaching the detector photodiode while permitting scattered light to reach the detector photodiode. A reduction in the amount of light reaching the detector photodiode results in an alarm being activated.

Abstract: A contactless rechargeable hearing aid system in which a rechargeable hearing aid may be optically or inductively recharged by an optical or an inductive recharger. The optically rechargeable hearing aid may have a dual purpose optical fiber that may act as a light conduit for the recharging light, and that may also act as a draw string for the hearing aid. The rechargeable hearing aid may use a high energy nickel metal-hydride rechargeable battery or a high energy, high voltage lithium based rechargeable battery, in conjunction with a DC to DC voltage regulating circuit for converting the rechargeable battery's declining DC output voltage to the fixed DC input voltage needed by the hearing aid's audio related circuitry. The DC to DC voltage regulating circuit may also help to present a supply impedance that matches the input impedance of the audio related circuitry in the hearing aid.

Abstract: A contactless rechargeable hearing aid system in which a rechargeable hearing aid may be optically or inductively recharged by an optical or an inductive recharger. The optically rechargeable hearing aid may have a dual purpose optical fiber that may act as a light conduit for the recharging light, and that may also act as a draw string for the hearing aid. The rechargeable hearing aid may use a high energy nickel metal-hydride rechargeable battery or a high energy, high voltage lithium based rechargeable battery, in conjunction with a DC to DC voltage regulating circuit for converting the rechargeable battery's declining DC output voltage to the fixed DC input voltage needed by the hearing aid's audio related circuitry. The DC to DC voltage regulating circuit may also help to present a supply impedance that matches the input impedance of the audio related circuitry in the hearing aid.

Abstract: A C-clip retainer is provided in a groove of a piston, such as for an engine hydraulic valve lash adjuster, to allow installation and removably retain the piston in a cylinder of an associated assembly. The groove has a novel shape including an inner surface that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the piston to provide a larger groove diameter at a first axial end surface and a smaller diameter at an opposite second axial end surface of the groove. Upon installation, the clip is urged into the smaller diameter, allowing easier installation, but upon removal the clip is expanded by forcing it to the larger diameter, thereby increasing the retention force on the piston. The first axial end surface may also be formed with a back angle that reduces forces of the associated cylinder edge that tend to compress the retainer into the groove, thus further increasing the piston retention force.

Abstract: A heated bed for dogs, cats or other animals which can provide a selected amount of heat to the animal depending upon environmental temperatures. The bed includes a hollow blanket casing within which is disposed at least three layers of foam insulation material placed one on top of another. A removable heating element is interposed between two adjacent layers of the foam material and supplies heat to the animal resting on the bed. The amount of heat delivered to the animal is regulated by selectively positioning the heating element between different adjacent layers of the foam material. The heating element is connected to a power source via a step down transformer which converts high voltage energy into lower voltage energy to minimize the danger of serious shock to the animal.

Abstract: An electric water tank heater is installable through the drain plug opening of a water tank. The heater includes a power cord interconnected with a heating element through a temperature control device for delivering electrical power to the heating element in a controlled fashion. A housing hermetically seals the interconnection between the heating element, the power cord and the temperature control device The power cord extends through the drain plug opening of the tank and terminates in a conventional male plug that is configured for insertion into a reciprocal power outlet. The power cord includes detachable connector interposed between the heating element and the male plug. The connector is smaller than the electrical plug, and, as a result, the heater may be installed through drain plug openings that are too small to permit the passage of the electrical plug. The connector can be positioned anywhere along the length of the power cord, and integrally formed with the male plug or the heater housing.

Abstract: The catalyst of the invention includes Aluminium, Lead, Copper, Tin, Antimony, Zinc and Nickel located to be in contact with the fuel to be burned. Each of the elements is present in a preferred concentration range by weight which varies depending on the type of fuel. In a preferred embodiment, the Aluminium forms a container having an inlet and an outlet which defines a flow path through which the fuel flows. The other elements are located in the flow path such that all of the elements are in contact with the fuel as it flows through the container.

Abstract: A heating pad for animals consisting of a plastic housing and an electric heating element. The base of the housing contains conical supports upon which the heating element rests. The heating element is supported in the housing to provide air gaps above and below the heating element, allowing an even temperature throughout the housing. This prevents regions of localized heat on the top of the bed, and also prevent unnecessary heating of the base. This temperature is regulated by a thermostat that shuts down the heating element if the temperature of the air within the chamber exceeds the preset limit. The conical supports also provide structural support, preventing the top of the bed from collapsing on top of the heating element when subject to the weight of an animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of tumor suppressor genes in combination with a DNA damaging agent or factor for use in killing cells, and in particular cancerous cells. A tumor suppressor gene, p53, was delivered via a recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene transfer both in vitro and in vivo, in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent. Treated cells underwent apoptosis with specific DNA fragmentation. Direct injection of the p53-adenovirus construct into tumors subcutaneously, followed by intraperitoneal administration of a DNA damaging agent, cisplatin, induced massive apoptotic destruction of the tumors. The invention also provides for the clinical application of a regimen combining gene replacement using replication-deficient wild-type p53 adenovirus and DNA-damaging drugs for treatment of human cancer.

Abstract: Nominal composition V.sub.2 O.sub.4.5 (OH) materials suitable for intercalations of greater than 2.4 Li per V.sub.2 O.sub.5 to yield theoretical energy density of greater than 970 Wh/Kg of cathode active material, the intercalation being completely reversible and synthesis of the materials from sol and gels, and devices incorporating these materials.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed medical device such as a cardioverter is disclosed, where the device contains an electrochemical capacitor having at least one electrode formed from a particularly efficacious electrode material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode material comprises electrically conductive carbon, a soluble salt, a non-aqueous liquid solvent and a gel-former. The electrode material of the present invention is especially well adapted for use in multi-layer capacitors in which very thin layers are desirable. The thin layers of the electrochemical capacitor of the present invention are characterized in having very low electrical resistance, and thus permit the capacitor to be discharged very rapidly.

Abstract: The compressor shaft in a gas turbine engine is supported on a bearing having four independently hydraulically pressurized cells. The pressure in the cells is controlled by a signal processor based on engine operating parameters, including stall margin and blade tip to compressor case clearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of tumor suppressor genes in combination with a DNA damaging agent or factor for use in killing cells, and in particular cancerous cells. A tumor suppressor gene, p53, was delivered via a recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene transfer both in vitro and in vivo, in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent. Treated cells underwent apoptosis with specific DNA fragmentation. Direct injection of the p53-adenovirus construct into tumors subcutaneously, followed by intraperitoneal administration of a DNA damaging agent, cisplatin, induced massive apoptotic destruction of the tumors. The invention also provides for the clinical application of a regimen combining gene replacement using replication-deficient wild-type p53 adenovirus and DNA-damaging drugs for treatment of human cancer.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring particles in fluid systems in which a detector has electrical contacts that are bridged by particles captured from suspension in the fluid. Upon detection of a particle, a control microprocessor stores a predetermined quantity of electrical energy on a capacitor, which is then discharged through an inductor to burn off the particle at the detector. The burn-off charge and return lines from the charge storage capacitor are un-grounded, and are connected by respective electronic switches through relay contacts to the conductors connected to the chip detector. The relay contacts are also connected to the inputs of a differential amplifier for detecting presence of a chip bridging the detector contacts and monitoring continuity of the conductors to and from the detector. The relay is powered by system voltage, and in the event of system power failure connects the chip detectors directly to warning lamps on an operator panel.

Abstract: An accessory ski boot protection device which is easily and quickly installed onto the ski boot when needed to walk on surfaces which may damage the soles of the boot, which need to be kept in good condition being that they are a critical component of the total ski binding system. And when the skier easily and quickly removes the ski protection device from the ski boot, and as he or she prepares to re-enter the bindings, he or she may quickly and easily attach the ski protection device on the ski pant leg exterior, one device on one pant leg, and the other device on the other pant leg. Also, features such as walking traction and walking comfort are provided as well as other features which are advantageous over the prior art.

Abstract: Nominal composition V.sub.2 O.sub.4.5 (OH) materials suitable for intercalations of greater than 2.4 Li per V.sub.2 O.sub.5 to yield theoretical energy density of greater than 970 Wh/Kg of cathode active material, the intercalation being completely reversible and synthesis of the materials from sol and gels, and devices incorporating these materials.

Abstract: An auxiliary module for computer apparatus providing the basic function of an organizer as to the slack or excess wad of cord which connects the mouse roll-around input device to the computer. In one form it provides a can-like shell releasably held over an upright spool-like spindle, the shell and spindle being movably and releasably held together for the user to manage the lengthy strip of excess cord, the shell both retaining and concealing the excess cord; and in another embodiment the cord is kept interiorly of a body member by lipped flanges carried by a spindle portion of the body member, all yielding both attractiveness of the work area and avoidance of the bother by the mouse cord as the mouse is manipulated in its use of controlling the computer screen's pointer or curser feature.

Abstract: An electrode material for an electrochemical capacitor and electrochemical capacitors utilizing the electrode material. The electrode material comprises electrically conductive carbon, a soluble salt, a non-aqueous liquid solvent, and a gel-former. Such a solid electrode material is especially well adapted for use in multi-layer capacitors in which such components can be made very thin, thereby providing a very low resistance for the device and permitting rapid discharge of the capacitor.

Abstract: A hard case coin display holder advantageously universal to coin size and shape, especially useful for ancient coins and Spanish pieces-of-eight which are always of irregular size and shape, while holding the coin attractively spatially centered, by at least two flexible transparent spring tension arms, within the protective confines of a quickly and easily assemblable and disassemblable see-through hard case. The present invention leaves much more of the irregularly shaped coin visible in the display than that achieved by opaque resilient rubberlike holed cores, which are the only present universal coin display interiors.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling re-filtering of trace history data in a debugger without re-executing the program. Trace history data is stored together with its category information when the program is initially executed and trace history text is output to a user. If re-filtering is necessary, the new filtering criteria is applied to the stored trace history data and new text is output to the user.