Abstract: A patient slider device configured to move a patient from a first bed surface to a second bed surface positioned adjacent thereto. The patient slider device includes a frame, a bed engagement assembly and a patient pulling assembly. The bed engagement assembly includes a bumper with the bumper being adjustable relative to the frame. The patient pulling assembly includes a winch assembly, preferably positioned proximate a lower end of the frame, and a sheet engaging clamp assembly. The sheet engaging clamp assembly includes a base member and a locking member structurally configured to clamp a sheet therebetween.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus and method is disclosed, including a grabber clamp apparatus and method for handling, such as grabbing and pulling, elongate binding material. The grabber clamp is capable of gripping one or more elongate binding material strands securely enough to pull it from the bale but without cutting the elongate binding material strand(s). The current invention also provides an elongate binding material puller for removing elongate binding material from a bale. The elongate binding material puller should be capable of automatically, mechanically removing elongate binding material from a bale. The method uses a grabber clamp to grip a strand of elongate binding material between two blunt points such that a portion of the elongate binding material is free from clamping pressure between the two blunt points.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating metastatic or unresectable pancreatic cancer through the administration of a combination of an immune modulator and radiation therapy.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus and method is disclosed, including a grabber clamp apparatus and method for handling, such as grabbing and pulling, elongate binding material. The grabber clamp is capable of gripping one or more elongate binding material strands securely enough to pull it from the bale but without cutting the elongate binding material strand(s). The current invention also provides an elongate binding material puller for removing elongate binding material from a bale. The elongate binding material puller should be capable of automatically, mechanically removing elongate binding material from a bale. The method uses a grabber clamp to grip a strand of elongate binding material between two blunt points such that a portion of the elongate binding material is free from clamping pressure between the two blunt points.

Abstract: A debris loader for comminuting or collecting leaves and debris comprises a vacuum tube connected to an intake assembly which connects to a blower housing. The blower housing contains a rotating impeller which creates suction through the vacuum tube and intake assembly drawing in leaves and debris. The leaves and debris are then discharged from the blower housing through a discharge opening or conduit. The intake assembly includes a cylindrical collar, to which a vacuum tube is attached, and a conical section which is connected to the blower housing. The diameter of the conical section expands from its connection with the cylindrical collar toward the blower housing. In a preferred embodiment the conical section is angled downward relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller and preferably at an angle of approximately thirty degrees.

Abstract: A debris loader for comminuting or collecting leaves and debris comprises a vacuum tube connected to an intake assembly which connects to a blower housing. The blower housing contains a rotating impeller which creates suction through the vacuum tube and intake assembly drawing in leaves and debris. The leaves and debris are then discharged from the blower housing through a discharge opening or conduit. The intake assembly includes a cylindrical collar, to which a vacuum tube is attached, and a conical section which is connected to the blower housing. The diameter of the conical section expands from its connection with the cylindrical collar toward the blower housing. In a preferred embodiment the conical section is angled downward relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller and preferably at an angle of approximately thirty degrees.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assigning executable functions to available processors in a Multiprocessor environment comprising (as an example of a collection of different processing architectures) one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs, the method comprising: providing an input source comprising instructions and data; breaking the input source into data oriented cell and interface objects with processing attributes; assigning the cell and interface objects to one or more of the GPUs and CPUs based on processing attributes and the multiprocessor environment; and producing output data.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for assigning executable functions to available processors in a Multiprocessor environment comprising (as an example of a collection of different processing architectures) one or more CPUs and one or more GPUs, the method comprising: providing an input source comprising instructions and data; breaking the input source into data oriented cell and interface objects with processing attributes; assigning the cell and interface objects to one or more of the GPUs and CPUs based on processing attributes and the multiprocessor environment; and producing output data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support structure configured to be positioned adjacent a pipe rack. A carrier is moveably coupled to the support structure, and a carriage is moveably coupled to the carrier. A trough extends longitudinally over the support structure and is moveably coupled to the carriage, the trough being configured to receive a tubular member. The trough is operable to tilt relative to the support structure. A lift arm is operable to move the carriage relative to the support structure thereby also moving the tubular member received in the trough. Indexers may urge the tubular member toward or away from the trough. Pick up arms are operable to retrieve a tubular member from an adjacent pipe rack, or to place the tubular there for storage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for moving a tubular member to and from an elevated drilling rig floor. A support structure has an elongate indentation in its upper surface. A ramp assembly comprises telescoping assemblies having nested tubular elements extendable between retracted and deployed positions, thus forming a guide extending from the elongate indentation towards the drilling rig floor. Indexers may urge the tubular member towards or away from the elongate indentation. Kickers may urge the tubular member into or out of the elongate indentation, and may be operable via actuators which also operate the indexers.