Abstract: A cannula connects an organ with a perfusion system that monitors, treats, sustains and/or restores the viability of the organ and/or that transports and/or stores the organ. At least part of a cannula may be made of a soft elastomer to help avoid damage to the organ. In embodiments, the cannula includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a sealing ring and two compression straps. In embodiments, the cannula includes a top portion and a flexible bottom portion that may be attached to the top portion. In embodiments, part of the cannula is inserted directly into an artery and a suture is used to tie the artery in place. Also, the cannula may include an attachment feature that can be used to connect the cannula to an organ platform or chair. Various features of the cannula may allow a visual check for and venting of air bubbles in the cannula.

Abstract: Methods and structure for estimating computational resource complexity for a Bayesian belief network (“BBN”) model for problem diagnosis and resolution. Bayesian belief networks may be bounded with respect to application to resolution of particular problem. Such bounded BBNs are found to consume memory resources in accordance with a mathematical model of polynomial complexity or less. Applying this model to estimate the computational memory resources required for computation of the BBN model permits effective management of distributing BBN computations over a plurality of servers. Such distribution of BBN computations enables improved responsiveness to servicing multiple clients requesting BBN applications to multiple problem resolutions.

Abstract: Methods and structure for estimating computational resource complexity for a Bayesian belief network (“BBN”) model for problem diagnosis and resolution. Bayesian belief networks may be bounded with respect to application to resolution of particular problem. Such bounded BBNs are found to consume memory resources in accordance with a mathematical model of polynomial complexity or less. Applying this model to estimate the computational memory resources required for computation of the BBN model permits effective management of distributing BBN computations over a plurality of servers. Such distribution of BBN computations enables improved responsiveness to servicing multiple clients requesting BBN applications to multiple problem resolutions.

Abstract: An improved transmission shift pattern control that preserves the attributes of a selected base shift pattern while dynamically adjusting the high throttle shift thresholds based on a measure of vehicle loading. Heavy vehicle loading is detected by recognizing a pattern of high engine throttle and lower than expected vehicle acceleration, and the high power shifting thresholds are dynamically adjusted based on the detected loading to automatically provide aggressive shifting in a heavily loaded vehicle without producing excessive shift cycling in a normally or lightly loaded vehicle. A throttle timer is used to detect a condition of sustained high throttle operation, and under such condition, an acceleration timer determines the duration of lower than expected acceleration. If the determined duration exceeds a threshold, a shift pattern override is activated until the acceleration rises above an exit threshold.

Abstract: A mechanism for fixing a blood centrifuge bowl to a rotating spindle is disclosed having two parts. The first part converts downward movement of an outer collar of a chuck into inward and downward pressure against a blood bowl to be secured in the chuck. The second part of the invention converts centrifugal forces present in a rotating chuck into downward pressure on the collar described above. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the chuck comprises a base plate, plungers, a finger ring and a collar. The base plate receives and positions the blood bowl. The finger ring has a series of fingers located around its upper periphery that pivot around living hinges into contact with the blood bowl. The collar has an annular sloping finger contacting surface that contacts the outer surface of the fingers and forces them inward and downward into contact with the blood bowl. The base plate has a series of outwardly directed bores that hold plungers.

Abstract: A new aircraft cockpit instrument panel display system for showing the operating status of different aircraft systems is disclosed. The color display includes a plurality of display segments. Each display segment combines trend qualitative information of the direction of movement of aircraft system parameters, categorical qualitative information of whether aircraft system parameters are inside or outside acceptable ranges, and quantitative information of the actual level of aircraft system parameters. Trend information is indicated by an analog dial display element having a moving needle to indicate rising, falling or constant values of the parameter. The dial display also includes peg positions to indicate that the value of a system parameter has "pegged" at its lowest or highest value. Categorical qualitative information is indicated by the color of the dial, generally green for safe values, yellow for cautionary values and red for danger values. Quantitative information is indicated by a digital indicator.

Abstract: A mounting pad for mounting a sensor transducer, such as an ultrasonic level sensor, on a fluid reservoir, such as a blood reservoir. The mounting pad comprises a bayonet-type locking mechanism for mounting the transducer on the mounting pad, and a pair of foot pads connected to the body of the mounting pad by living hinges. The living hinges are provided along an outer surface of the foot pads at a location intermediate the edges of the foot pads, such that the foot pads can pivot relative to the body to conform to the configuration of the reservoir and such that any forces applied to the foot pads via the body of the mounting pad are applied intermediate the edges of the foot pads, as opposed to directly along the edges.

Abstract: A saw blade retention system for retaining a saw blade to a reciprocating saw includes a shaft connected to the saw for reciprocation and having a slot for receiving the saw blade. The saw blade retention system also includes a chuck disposed about the shaft and having a slot aligned with the slot in the shaft in an unlocked position for allowing the saw blade to be disposed in the slot for the shaft. The saw blade retention system further includes a cam-type mechanism for allowing the chuck to rotate angularly relative to the saw blade and shaft to a locked position to prevent the saw blade from exiting the slots and for allowing the chuck to move axially relative to the shaft to prevent axial movement of the saw blade between the chuck and the shaft. Complementary inclined surfaces are provided on the blade and the chuck to center the blade relative to its intended path of reciprocation.

Abstract: A tray is adapted for use as a protective and organizational device in vehicles. The tray is comprised of bottom and side wall portions, the side wall portions rising above the perimeter of the bottom portion forming an opening into the tray. A separating organizer is provided having spaced apart vertical support members which support a horizontal support member. The horizontal support member has a plurality of extending separation arms which are used to abut and support a transported container, thereby resisting any tendency the container may have to tip. A protective tray is also provided which is supported by the tailgate or side wall of a pick-up truck. A cover is provided over the opening of the tray, eliminating any contact between outside elements and the contents of the tray.

Abstract: A saw blade retention system for retaining a saw blade to a reciprocating saw includes a shaft connected to the saw for reciprocation and having a slot for receiving the saw blade. The saw blade retention system also includes a chuck disposed about the shaft and having a slot aligned with the slot in the shaft in an unlocked position for allowing the saw blade to be disposed in the slot for the shaft. The saw blade retention system further includes a cam-type mechanism for allowing the chuck to rotate angularly relative to the saw blade and shaft to a locked position to prevent the saw blade from exiting the slots and for allowing the chuck to move axially relative to the shaft to prevent axial movement of the saw blade between the chuck and the shaft. Complementary inclined surfaces are provided on the blade and the chuck to center the blade relative to its intended path of reciprocation.

Abstract: A tray is adapted for use as a protective and organizational device in vehicles. The tray is comprised of bottom and side wall portions, the side wall portions rising above the perimeter of the bottom portion forming an opening into the tray. A separating organizer is provided having spaced apart vertical support members which support a horizontal support member. The horizontal support member has a plurality of extending separation arms which are used to abut and support a transported container, thereby resisting any tendency the container may have to tip. A protective tray is also provided which is supported by the tailgate or side wall of a pick-up truck. A cover is provided over the opening of the tray, eliminating any contact between outside elements and the contents of the tray.

Abstract: A ronguer or the like is formed with a pistol-shaped main frame assembly having a hollow, tubular cutting element releasably clamped at the forward end of the barrel of the frame. A rod slidably received in the barrel projects beyond the front end of the cutting element and has a rearwardly facing shoulder which can be drawn into the cutting element to shear bone or other material engaged between the shoulder and sharpened forward edge of the cutting element. The rod member may be selectively located in any of four rotative orientations for up-cutting, down-cutting or side-cutting from either side. The device is readily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: There is provided an improved forcep or rongeur having a jaw mechanism comprised of a barrel member having a honed cutting edge on one extremity thereof and having a shaft member located within and arranged for reciprocal motion. On the shaft member there is provided a plate member attached at one extremity to trap bone against the cutting edge. A lever mechanism is provided having paired handle levers joined by a pivot and having the barrel and shaft members attached to the handle levers between the handle portion and the pivot. On the shaft member there is further provided a cavity arranged to slide within the barrel progressively as the cutting operation proceeds, gradually drawing severed bone within the capturing cavity.

Abstract: An irreversible phototropic material consists of a plasticized matrix in which is suspended a phototropic transition metal salt and an additive which inhibits the production of haze in the phototropic material. Generally the additive is a substance which inhibits the reduction of the transition metal in the transition metal salt from a higher to a lower oxidation level. Suitable substances include chelating agents such as oxalic acid, ethylenediamine and EDTA, and oxidizing agents, such as chromium trioxide. The transition metal salt is preferably copper (II) chloride or a mixture of copper (II) chloride and bromide, while the matrix is preferably polyvinyl chloride or polyvinyl chloride/polyvinylidene chloride copolymer.These phototropic materials may be used in protective devices, such as goggles and windows, to protect objects or subjects against intense radiation.

Abstract: A thimble construction for filter bags used in baghouses and the like which reduces the pressure drop in air approaching the thimble radially along a wall surface by causing a generally laminar flow of such air as it enters the thimble opening. The invention also contemplates a new and improved configuration in the upper portion of the thimble which provides a wedging action against the inner surface of a filter bag to promote a tighter seal and prevent gas leakage.

Abstract: A saw blade retention system for retaining a saw blade to a reciprocating saw includes a shaft connected to the saw for reciprocation and having a slot for receiving the saw blade. The saw blade retention system also includes a chuck disposed about the shaft and having a slot aligned with the slot in the shaft in an unlocked position for allowing the saw blade to be disposed in the slot for the shaft. The saw blade retention system further includes a cam-type mechanism for allowing the chuck to rotate angularly relative to the saw blade and shaft to a locked position to prevent the saw blade from exiting the slots and for allowing the chuck to move axially relative to the shaft to prevent axial movement of the saw blade between the chuck and the shaft. Complementary inclined surfaces are provided on the blade and the chuck to center the blade relative to its intended path of reciprocation.