Abstract: A spinning cell for producing lyocell fibre by spinning a solution of cellulose in an organic solvent through an air gap into a spin bath has nozzles to create a cross-draught through the air gap.

Abstract: A power-assisted wheelchair is disclosed that is particularly well suited for use by a person capable of exerting some hand/arm force in attempting to propel the wheelchair while seated therein, but incapable of exerting sufficient force, at least in some instances, to achieve satisfactory overall non-assisted operation of the wheelchair. Power-assist is provided by an electrical power unit that includes a motor for driving each main wheel of the wheelchair, with the power unit being removable to facilitate folding of the wheel chair when not in use. Motor energization is initiated when the user exerts force on the hand rims, connected with the drive wheels, in an attempt to propel the wheelchair. Displacement of the handrim relative to the associated drive wheel caused by the user exerted force is sensed and an electrical signal is produced to cause motor energization, with structure and feedback circuitry also being included for enhancing the efficiency of the power assist thus provided.

Abstract: Pulse compensation is disclosed for electronic devices capable of producing a pulse output signal suitable for therapeutic purposes with pulse compensation being automatically provided upon sensing of a change in the conditions being monitored. The electronic device, which preferably includes a micro-computer, has externally accessible pulse width and intensity controls for determining the width and amplitude of pulses then being delivered. Upon each sensing of a change in a monitored condition capable of causing user discomfort or possible injury, the intensity of the pulses then being delivered is quickly reduced and then gradually increased toward the full intensity requested by the intensity control.

Abstract: A device utilizing capacitive coupling to provide an output indicative of angular relationship. Relatively rotatable units have paired electrical signal paths on closely adjacent portions to establish capacitive coupling therebetween. A high frequency AC signal is conducted through the electrical signal paths, which paths are preferbaly shielded, with the capacitance of one of the paired electrical signal paths being dependent upon the angular relationship between the closely adjacent portions of the units and with the capacitance of others of the paired electrical signal paths being substantially independent of the angular relationship between the closely adjacent portions of the units.

Abstract: An electronic stimulating device is disclosed, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through electrode pairs noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at a biphasic output stage associated with each electrode pair, and the generated biphasic output pulses are capacitively coupled from each output stage which also includes a bleeder network for effecting capacitor discharge. Stimulation may be continuously applied at a level selected by the user or may be applied in timed varying intensities the maximum level of which is selectable, and displays of intensity and sensed faults, including low battery voltage, are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for effecting battery management in a battery powered electronic stimulating device, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. The output power is in the form of biphasic constant current output pulses generated at one or more biphasic output stages. Each output stage receives high voltage, derived from the battery, along with microprocessor generated control pulses. Battery management is effected by detecting predetermined voltage levels and responsive thereto decrementing the output power to maintain the battery voltage at a selected lower level with termination of operation occurring when such decrementing can no longer maintain the lower battery voltage. A battery warning indicator is also provided for advising of battery condition.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for effecting timed treatment of varying intensity in an electronic stimulating device, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through electrode pairs noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at a biphasic output stage associated with each electrode pair. Stimulation may be continuously applied at a level selected by the user or may be applied in timed varying intensities the maximum level of which is selectable, with a display also being provided of selected and applied intensity levels.

Abstract: A biphasic pulse output stage is disclosed for an electronic stimulating device, such as a transcutaneous nerve stimulating device capable of effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through an electrode pair noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at one or more biphasic output stages each of which is associated with an electrode pair, and the generated biphasic output pulses are capacitively coupled from each output stage which also includes a bleeder network for effecting capacitor discharge.

Abstract: An electronic stimulating device for wound healing and, more particularly, for enhancing healing of soft tissue wounds. The device includes a plurality of signal generators for generating output pulses suitable for enhancing healing of soft tissue wounds by application of the output pulses through electrodes to the soft tissue to be healed. Two pairs of active electrodes are included along with a pair of return electrodes. Control signals from a pulse generator control generation of the output pulses and a digital timer is included for causing treatmet for a predetermined period of time. The intensity, polarity, and rate of the output pulses can be varied by rotation of control knobs on the front panel of the device or, alternately, can be effected by a series of switches located on the front panel of the device, with varying intensities of output being indicated by brightness varying light emitting diodes.