Abstract: A self-supporting composite material is made with a shape conforming to the shape of an enclosure within which the composite material is incubated and molded. In on embodiment, a lid with at least one extrusion is placed over the enclosure to form a void in the final product corresponding to the extrusion. In another embodiment, a tool with extruded features is pressed into a face of the product in the enclosure to mold features into the finished product.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The mycelia cells are selected from the group consisting of at least one of Agrocybe brasiliensi, Flammulina velutipes, Hypholomoa capnoides, Hypholoma sublaterium, Morchella angusticeps, Macrolepiota procera and Coprinus comatus. The fungus digests the nutrient material over a period of time sufficient to grow hyphae and to allow the hyphae to form a network of interconnected mycelia cells through and around the discrete particles thereby bonding the discrete particles together to form a self-supporting composite material.

Abstract: A self-supporting composite material is made with a shape conforming to the shape of an enclosure within which the composite material is incubated and molded. In on embodiment, a lid with at least one extrusion is placed over the enclosure to form a void in the final product corresponding to the extrusion. In another embodiment, a tool with extruded features is pressed into a face of the product in the enclosure to mold features into the finished product.

Abstract: The product is made, in part, of a network of interconnected mycelia cells forming a mass. In one embodiment, the mass includes one or more embedded elements, such as a panel. The mycelia cells form hyphae that bond directly to the embedded elements.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The mycelia cells are selected from the group consisting of at least one of Agrocybe brasiliensi, Flammulina velutipes, Hypholomoa capnoides, Hypholoma sublaterium, Morchella angusticeps, Macrolepiota procera and Coprinus comatus. The fungus digests the nutrient material over a period of time sufficient to grow hyphae and to allow the hyphae to form a network of interconnected mycelia cells through and around the discrete particles thereby bonding the discrete particles together to form a self-supporting composite material.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The composite material is made by inoculating a substrate of discrete particles and a nutrient material with a preselected fungus. The fungus digests the nutrient material over a period of time sufficient to grow hyphae and to allow the hyphae to form a network of interconnected mycelia cells through and around the discrete particles thereby bonding the discrete particles together to form a self-supporting composite material. In another embodiment, the fungus is allowed to grow as a fruiting body out of the substrate and within an enclosure to completely fill the enclosure to form a self-supporting structure.

Abstract: Devices for training in extinguishing fires comprising a control unit and a flame generation unit as well as methods and systems of use thereof are presented.

Abstract: Devices for training in extinguishing fires comprising a control unit and a flame generation unit as well as methods and systems of use thereof are presented.

Abstract: A fluidized bead bed having a scale integrated into the frame of the bed for providing a continuous readout of the weight of a patient supported on the upper surface of the bed. The bed includes a fluidized bead bed support mounted atop a frame such that a torque, corresponding to the supported, load is transmitted to the beam arms cantilevered from each end of the frame and extending to the longitudinal median of the bed along one side thereof. Springs oppose the torque and LVDT's are provided at the distal ends of the arms to produce an electrical signal with pulses of an amplitude related to the weight of the patient on the bed. The distal ends of both beam arms are protected and confined in their movements by a lower guard in the form of a single U-shaped channel, and the springs are mounted to the frame by means of upstanding supports on the top surface thereof. A control panel incorporates a signal processor for providing an accurate but readable output based on the LVDT signals.

Abstract: The scale for weighing bed-ridden patients includes two assemblies each of which has a pair of rollers mounted on a load frame upon which the entire bed can be elevated. The bed frame has two pairs of ramps mounted on an underside whereby the bed can be rolled onto the rollers. Each ramp has inclined surfaces to cause lifting of the bed onto the rollers of the scale assemblies.

Abstract: The hospital bed is provided with a scale assembly which is incorporated into the bed between the bed support frame and patient supporting section. The links which connect the patient support section to the bed support frame are connected to the load frame of the scale assembly so that weighing may occur in any position of the patient support section. The scale assembly is connected to the transverse beams of the bed support frame in a depending manner via bolts. Linear variable differential transformers are used to obtain read-out signals for the displacement of the load frame as a measure of the weight on the load frame.

Abstract: The weight monitoring system provides a visual read-out to compare an actual weight change in a patient undergoing a change of weight treatment against the elapsed time of treatment. In one embodiment, the actual weight loss is displayed in bar form against the elapsed time also in bar form. In a second embodiment, the read-out uses a display screen for graphically displaying a chronological sequence of differences between a programmed weight change and an actual weight change.The monitoring system can be used to automatically control a dialysis unit or may provide readings which permit a manual adjustment in a dialysis unit.

Abstract: The scale is of limited height and utilizes Z-shaped flexures between the load frame and support frame. The scale can be placed in a hospital bed for weighing bed-ridden patients or for monitoring weight variations in bed-ridden patients. Each flexure has a Z-shaped cross section with flanges extending to opposite ends of the element for securement to the load frame and the support frame, respectively, of the scale. The web of the flexure is connected to a torsion bar which turns with the flexures in order to produce a read-out signal via an LVDT.

Abstract: The scale is of limited height and utilizes Z-shaped flexures between the load frame and support frame. The scale can be placed in a hospital bed for weighing bed-ridden patients or for monitoring weight variations in bed-ridden patients.A cart is provided for transporting the scale from place to place and includes an inclined ramp from which the scale may be readily moved onto a bed.

Abstract: An under bed scale which is comprised of a support frame, a load frame mounted on the support frame for receiving a load and for moving vertically relative to the support frame upon receiving the load, a pair of beam arms connected to the load frame to pivot about a respective horizontal axis in response to movement of the load frame, springs mounted on the support frame and secured to each beam arm to proportionally restrain movement of the beam arm relative to the support frame and a pair of means mounted on the support frame for emitting a signal corresponding to the displacement of each respective beam arm relative to the support frame.

Abstract: A flexure scale is made of compact, inexpensive construction and includes a load frame which is supported via flexures from a stationary support frame. The load frame includes two oppositely directed beam arms which are displaced when a load is placed on the load frame. The two beam arms are connected together to permit a summation of their displacements and the longer beam arm is secured at the free end to the support frame by means of a spring which proportionally restrains the displacement of the beam arm. A linear variable differential transformer is mounted on the support frame to emit signals corresponding to the displacements of the beam arms to a digital readout means. The electrical output of this transformer is adjusted to produce a fixed output for a standard load.A system composed of a multiplicity of these scales requires only a single read-out means.