Abstract: A multi-modal patient support system is provided having the capability of switching from any one of at least three modes of operation, particularly a first constant pressure mode, a second pulsation, and a third turning mode. A plurality of like inflatable sacs are provided supported upon a rigid support member. The inflatable sacs comprise at least two internal chambers. In the first static mode, the inflatable sacs are maintained at a relatively constant predetermined pressure. In the second pulsation mode, at least two sets of inflatable sacs are inflated and deflated in at least two separate and opposite patterns of pressurization so as to provide alternating pressure point relief to a patient resting upon the sacs. In the third turning mode, generally opposite disposed portions of the inflatable sacs are alternately inflated and deflated so that a patient resting upon the sacs can be automatically tilted from side to side.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use with lightweight security doors includes a first gear and a mechanically associated second gear. A lock disposed proximate the second gear is adapted to form a releasable locking engagement with the second gear. The first gear is mechanically associated with a locking assembly which intercooperates with the door frame of the security door to produce a locking engagement therewith. The locking assembly is actuated by the rotation of the first gear. A rotation of the first gear causes a corresponding rotation of the second gear and vice versa. The second gear is mounted to be manually displaceable whereby the second gear can be displaced out of engagement with the lock and thereby become rotatable notwithstanding that the lock has been set in its locked condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved leavening system which comprises at least one leavening acid and at least one novel chemical leavening base. The new chemical leavening bases comprise a baking bicarbonate, preferably an alkali metal bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, or a mixture thereof, which has been intimately admixed with a food grade, essentially water insoluble salt or oxide, such that the baking carbonate acts as a carrier for the insoluble salt or oxide which is essentially uniformly distributed throughout and in the surface of the bicarbonate. The leavening system can be used in any type of baked goods which is leavened by a leavening system which includes a gas generating base such as a baking carbonate and a neutralizing acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved leavening system which comprises at least one leavening acid and at least one novel chemical leavening base. The new chemical leavening bases comprise a baking bicarbonate, preferably an alkali metal bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, or a mixture thereof, which has been intimately admixed with a food grade, essentially water insoluble salt or oxide, such that the baking carbonate acts as a carrier for the insoluble salt or oxide which is essentially uniformly distributed throughout and in the surface of the bicarbonate. The leavening system can be used in any type of baked goods which is leavened by a leavening system which includes a gas generating base such as a baking carbonate and a neutralizing acid.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system has a signal means which provides a signal representative of a temperature responsive luminescence, where the luminescence has a characteristic time-rate-of-decay. A means for comparison is connected to the signal means and samples the signal during two time intervals, the first interval overlapping the second. The averages of the samples are compared to provide a difference signal representative of the difference between the two measured averages. Control means coupled to the comparison means provide an output representing the temperature as a function of the time-rate-of-decay, by adjusting the overlapping intervals so that the difference signal converges to a preselected limit.

Abstract: The invention is a helicopter blade crack detection system for blades that are hollow and pressurized or evacuated to a low pressure A rotating assembly having a rotating indicator assembly photo-optically communicates to an airframe detection assembly providing high reliability, ease of maintenance, and EMI secured.

Abstract: The new hybridoma cell lines RF-HBs-1, RF-HBs-2 and RF-HBs-4 each secrete a nonoclonal antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen. The production of the antibodies may be carried out in vitro by culturing one of the cell lines or in vivo by establishing one of the cell lines as an ascites tumour in a mouse and isolating antibodies from the ascites fluid or from the serum. The antibodies have therapeutic, preventative and diagnostic uses in respect of hepatitis B virus infections and can be used to purify hepatitis B surface antigen. The relative specificities of the three monoclonal antibodies make them particularly useful in radiometric assay techniques employing specific combinations of the antibodies in solid phase.

Abstract: A cementitious composite of delignified cellulosic debris and Portland cement is produced from waste sludge from a paper recycling process and combining the resultant material in particle sizes ranging from 0.06 to 25 mm with Portland cement.

Abstract: A method for controlling the blower that supplies gas to the gas sacks of a patient support system uses a blower control circuit, a microprocessor, and a pressure sensor. The blower control circuit controls the power that is supplied to operate the blower. The microprocessor activates the blower control circuit with a control signal that causes the control circuit to supply power to the blower. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the gas exiting the blower and supplies a signal indicative of this pressure, to the microprocessor. The microprocessor stores the measured pressure signal and calculates a reference pressure for the blower. The microprocessor compares the reference pressure to the measured pressure and determines any discrepancy resulting from this comparison. The microprocessor sends a signal to the blower control circuit, wherein the signal is indicative of the discrepancy from the compared pressure and the reference pressure of the blower.

Abstract: A dual axis translation mechanism for holding and moving an object of variable dimension to a position defined by first and second axis. The mechanism includes a frame, a carriage mounted on the frame for movement with respect to the frame in the first axis, and an object holding means coupled with the carriage for holding and moving the object with respect to the carriage in the second axis. A motor selectively drives a first shaft and a drive/brake assembly provides a second shaft which, in a drive mode of the assembly is driven synchronously with the first shaft and, which in a brake mode of the assembly is held non-driven while the first shaft is being driven. First and second endless belts are mounted for rotating movement within the frame and extend in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: The magnetized punch of the tool breaks off the tang and holds the tang until the punch is withdrawn into an opening in a vacuum conduit. The tang is thereby removed from the punch and it becomes entrained in a vacuum flow, detected and accounted for before passing into a collection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved leavening system which comprises at least one leavening acid and at least one novel chemical leavening base. The new chemical leavening bases comprise a baking bicarbonate, preferably an alkali metal bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, or a mixture thereof, which has been intimately admixed with a food grade, essentially water insoluble salt or oxide, such that the baking carbonate acts as a carrier for the insoluble salt or oxide which is essentially uniformly distributed throughout and on the surface of the bicarbonate. The leavening system can be used in any type of baked goods which is leavened by a leavening system which includes a gas generating base such as a baking carbonate and a neutralizing acid.

Abstract: A power transmission multi-groove sheave and method of manufacturing such sheave wherein each of the grooves of the multi-groove sheave incorporate critical dimensions to make it adaptable for use with any of several commercially known multi-groove sheaves and belt sets therefor, the multi-groove sheaves having differing proximal critical dimensions including those relating to the side wall angles of slope, the top and bottom widths, the normal depths, and the spacing between width centers of adjacent grooves.

Abstract: A power transmission sheave and method of manufacturing such sheave wherein the groove of the sheave incorporates critical dimensions to make it adaptable for use with any of several commercially known grooved sheaves and belts therefor, the sheaves having differing proximal critical dimensions including those relating to the side wall angles of slope, the top and bottom widths and the normal groove depths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided, for separating articles from product boards and transporting the product articles to another processing station or packaging area. Because of the sticky nature of confections which may be handled the product must be scraped from a product board. Articles are separated from product boards on which they rest upon encountering a blade member which acts to wedge the product from a board surface. The boards are ejected from the machine for reuse, while product or confections are moved downstream along a belt take-up transport conveyor for deposit onto product delivery conveyor, whereby product orientation may be accomplished.

Abstract: An air sack support manifold defines a plate having a flat top surface, a bottom surface, two opposed ends and two opposed side edges, a plurality of inlet openings defined through one of the side edges, a plurality of separated enclosed channels, a plurality of air sack supply openings defined through the top surface, wherein each of the air sack supply openings communicates with one of the channels.

Abstract: A modular construction, low air loss patient support system includes a plurality of identical multi-chambered inflatable sacks, a microprocessor, a plurality of pressure control valves with pressure transducers and a plurality of flow diverter valves for switching between different modes of configuring the manner in which the sacks are pressurized. The system includes a modular manifold for mounting the pressure control valves, and a modular support member for mounting the sacks via quick-disconnect couplings and having air flow channels defined therethrough. The support system effects a method of rotating or tilting the patient. The support system permits practicing the method of relieving pressure points between the patient and the sacks while elevating the head and chest of the patient.

Abstract: A DC/DC voltage multiplier comprises a charging source (Vs) connected between first and second terminals (Vdd and Vss), a storage capacitor (Ctr) connected between the first terminal and a third terminal (Vdd and Vtr), a plurality of voltage pump stages each comprising four switches (S1a, S1b and S1c) and a pump capacitor (C1). The switches are actuated under the control of a clock (not shown) so that the pump capacitors of the stages are charged one at a time. The multiplied voltage output between the first and third terminals Vdd and Vtr of the circuit is provided by the charging source (Vs) and the pump capacitors in those stages not currently being charged (C2,C3). Any number of voltage pump stages can be used provided that the output of each stage is connected to the input of the following stage and the circuit is driven by an appropriate clock. The output of the final stage is connected to the input of the first stage so as to form a ring of pump stages.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a door of a safe within a frame includes a drive gear rotatably mounted on the interior surface of the door. An extension fitted with a rack gear is mechanically cooperated with the drive gear. The extension is adapted to be slidingly displaced along the interior surface of the door so as to extend outwardly from a corner of the door and be detachably received within an aperture defined within a corner of the door frame. The intercooperation of the extension and the frame aperture forms a securement of the door and particularly the corner of the door within the door frame.