Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of cylindrically shaped tube members nested together in coaxially aligned relationship, with each tube member being connected to a separate and independent control segment, with the control segments being constructed for raising and lowering the associated tube segment, an easily produced, reliable, dependable, and highly portable telescopically extendable and retractable multi-element system is realized. In the preferred embodiment, each control segment incorporates a separate endless loop drive belt which is cooperatively associated with a pair of pulleys mounted at opposed ends of the segment. Furthermore, each control segment is interconnected to the endless loop drive belt of an adjacent segment for causing all of the segments to move simultaneously in response to the initial movement of a first control segment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for a planetary suit audio system that allows a suited occupant to acoustically interact, using three dimensional surround sound and directional accuracy, with and within the ambient surface environment. This is being developed directly for integration into future versions of a Martian surface suit. The hardware and apparatus incorporates a system that requires a low power suit interface, an intelligent digital signal processing (DSP) sound chip, appropriately integrated and tested sound processing Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF) algorithms, integrated communications system circuitry, miniaturized electric eternal microphone arrays and speakers, and occupant used internal suit speakers or headsets. It has been found that the pressure at the Martian surface (equivalent to 99,000 feet in altitude on the Earth) supports the appropriate acoustical properties to allow for standard environmental auditory interaction.

Abstract: A roof scuttle safety railing system is provided for an existing or new roof scuttle which railing may be installed on the roof scuttle by unskilled labor without compromising the integrity of the weather seal of the roof scuttle. In one embodiment, pivotal corner brackets are secured to the capflashing of a roof scuttle with the vertical members of the safety railing being inserted in openings in the brackets. In another embodiment, an elongated bracket is used along two opposed sides of the roof scuttle which brackets are firmly held against the outside walls of the roof scuttle by tie rods, a strap or a cable. The elongated bracket has vertical openings at its distal ends for securing the vertical members of the safety railing and horizontal openings or slots for the tie rods, straps or cables. A hinged gate is also provided which preferably has a self-closing hinge.

Abstract: A roof scuttle safety railing system is provided for an existing or new roof scuttle which railing may be installed on the roof scuttle by unskilled labor without compromising the integrity of the weather seal of the roof scuttle. In one embodiment, pivotal corner brackets are secured to the capflashing of a roof scuttle with the vertical members of the safety railing being inserted in openings in the brackets. In another embodiment, an elongated bracket is used along two opposed sides of the roof scuttle which brackets are firmly held against the outside walls of the roof scuttle by tie rods, a strap or a cable. The elongated bracket has vertical openings at its distal ends for securing the vertical members of the safety railing and horizontal openings or slots for the tie rods, straps or cables. A hinged gate is also provided which preferably has a self-closing hinge.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of cooperating, foldable panel members in combination with a plurality of foldable wheel assemblies, a unique wagon or cart construction is attained which is capable of being folded into a small, compact area, whenever desired, and then quickly and easily deployed into a fully erected and operational position, which enables virtually any desired object to be easily transported. In addition, in the preferred construction of this invention, an automatically deployed structural supporting member is incorporated into the wagon/cart for providing inherent strength and rigidity to the wagon/cart when fully erected. In this way, heavy objects previously incapable of being transported are capable of being accommodated with ease.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A roof scuttle safety railing system is provided for an existing or new roof scuttle which railing may be installed on the roof scuttle by unskilled labor without compromising the integrity of the weather seal of the roof scuttle. In one embodiment, pivotal corner brackets are secured to the capflashing of a roof scuttle with the vertical members of the safety railing being inserted in openings in the brackets. In another embodiment, an elongated bracket is used along two opposed sides of the roof scuttle which brackets are firmly held against the outside walls of the roof scuttle by tie rods, a strap or a cable. The elongated bracket has vertical openings at its distal ends for securing the vertical members of the safety railing and horizontal openings or slots for the tie rods, straps or cables. A hinged gate is also provided which preferably has a self-closing hinge.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing the length of tape ready for application on a package, the dispenser including a frame, a feed mechanism, a cutting mechanism, and an applicator. The frame has a storage area for storing tape therein. The feed mechanism is connected to the frame for feeding tape from the storage area. The cutting mechanism is connected to the frame for cutting the length of tape dispensed from the dispenser. The applicator is connected to the frame and adapted for applying an additional element to the tape when the length of tape is dispensed. The application of the additional element to the tape provides the length of tape with a predetermined characteristic. The additional element applied by the applicator is selected from a number of different additional elements. Each additional element has a different predetermined characteristic so that when applied to the tape, each of the different additional elements provides the length of tape with a different corresponding predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: A method and machine for sealing a heat sealable material includes the capability to dispense a desired length of the heat sealable material, automatically select a heating time based on one or more sealing parameters, and apply heat to a portion of the heat sealable material according to a sealing routine that utilizes the automatically selected heating time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A multi-component handling and delivering system, and its methods of use, comprising a fully integrated structure for combining chemical and other components. The system eliminates the requirement for independent component transfer and atmospheric escape of any chemical vapors during handling and combining. The invention is useful to combine bone cement components (i.e., bone cement power and liquid monomer) to form bone cement.

Abstract: By providing a fluid transfer assembly, two components forming bone cement are maintained separately from each other until actual intermixing thereof for use is desired, with the liquid monomer component being completely dispensed from a sealed unit directly into the mixing vessel in a closed loop manner, without exposure thereof to the user and without breakage of the container holding the liquid monomer, and a unique, multi-component, product handling and delivering system is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, the fluid transfer assembly is constructed for cooperating with the sealed vial or tube containing the liquid monomer and the mixing vessel for completely extracting all of the liquid monomer from the vial/tube in a closed loop operation and directly delivering the liquid monomer into the mixing vessel containing the dry powder. This transfer operation is achieved upon demand by the user, while preventing the liquid monomer from being exposed to the user or to the surrounding area.

Abstract: An improved supply tank opening cover assembly facilitates excellent fluid transfer between a supply tank and a reservoir, while minimizing leaks. Useful in machines that produce or affix labels, such as franking machines, the preferred embodiment of the assembly includes: an outer cap with an aperture for fluid transfer therethrough; an elastomeric flap placed in the outer cap; a spring member that impinges at one end on the flap, and impinges at the other end on a portion of a support cage; and an inner gasket. With the aid of the spring member, the flap is biased to normally cover the aperture and prevent leakage of the fluid. To allow the transfer of fluid from the supply tank to a reservoir, a reservoir peg is inserted into the aperture and displaces the flap from its sealed position. Liquid transfer from the supply tank to the reservoir is aided by the transposition of air from outside the tank to replace vacated supply tank liquid.