Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: An allograft optimization system utilizes an optical system to determine the outer perimeter of a tissue blank for allograft cutting therefrom. The optical system determines an optimal allograft array pattern that can be derived from the irregular tissue blank and may include a plurality of various allograft shapes and sizes. A computer operates an allograft optimization computer program that receives input regarding the outer perimeter of the tissue blank. A cutting implement, such as a laser, is configured to cut the allografts from the irregularly shaped tissue blank according the allograft array pattern. The cutting implement is automatically actuated by an actuator with respect to the tissue blank to cut the allografts therefrom. The cutting implement may be a laser or a galvo laser that is directed by one or more mirrors. The tissue may be birth tissue including placental tissue and amnion.

Abstract: A cold cathode ionization gauge includes a first and second electrode spaced apart and insulated from one another and having a common axis. A magnetic field generator surrounds the gauge and applies a non-time varying magnetic field along the common axis of the electrodes. The magnetic field generator includes at least one pair of opposed axially magnetized magnets adjacent each other. In one embodiment of the invention a non-magnetic annular spacer is placed between the opposed magnets. The magnet arrangement minimizes magnetic flux outside of the gauge while increasing the strength of the magnetic flux inside of the gauge. The magnetic arrangement also allows the gauge to be ignited in a very high vacuum, thereby extending the operating range of the gauge.

Abstract: A thermocouple vacuum gauge includes a first thermocouple element spaced below a second thermocouple element. The two thermocouple elements are electrically connected in series in a back-to-back manner by connecting together their respective negative ends. A pulse generator supplies a pulsing on-off current only to the first thermocouple element. During the off intervals, a switch connects the positive ends of both thermocouple elements to a voltage measuring and comparing circuit which measures a thermally generated voltage signal between the positive ends of the thermocouple elements and compares the measured voltage signal to a reference signal. The result of the comparison is used to vary the output current of the pulse generator so as to supply an amount of current to the first thermocouple element sufficient to cause the measured voltage signal to approach the reference signal.

Abstract: A fluorinated cation exchange resin catalyst is prepared by contacting a polymer containing pendant acid groups, particularly the radical --SO.sub.3 X with elemental fluorine in the presence of a water-free halogenated hydrocarbon liquid and thereafter converting the resulting pendant --SO.sub.3 X radical to a free acid.

Abstract: The instant invention is a membrane useful for separating organic matter such as proteins from aqueous solutions which resists fouling and maintains a high flux during separation. The membrane is prepared by either drying a polysulfone composite membrane, or first treating a polysulfone composite membrane with aqueous methanol and then drying it. The membrane is then exposed to elemental fluorine in an inert gas in the substantial absence of oxygen at a temperature in the range of about -45.degree. to 70.degree. C. After fluorine treatment, the membrane is exposed to air. The fluorine content in the treatment mixture may be from 0.0125 to about 10 volume percent, preferably 0.025 to 2 volume percent. The fluorine treatment does not significantly alter the membrane pore size.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for restoring fecal continence to a patient. The apparatus comprises an electrical stimulation probe for insertion into the anus of a patient and associated electronics for producing a pulsatile waveform electrical output adapted for optimal physiological stimulation.

Abstract: A solar powered floatable chlorinating apparatus consisting of a floatable chamber which receives and contains the chlorine medium and dispenses solubilized chlorine into water entering into and dispersing from the chamber. A solar powered motor, operably associated with the floatable chamber, drives the floatable chamber randomly about the surface of the body of water.

Abstract: A control store included in a data processing system for storing microinstructions in a plurality of microinstructions storage locations is organized in two parts, an upper bank and a lower bank. The lower bank is directly addressed by a portion of the currently addressed control store word, whereas the upper bank is addressed by use of a multiplexer, with inputs thereto coupled from various logic elements. Apparatus is included to determine which part of the control store will be selected and to allow such determination at a time substantially after the addresses for the first and second parts have been received by the control store.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a control store arrangement in which a single memory having a plurality of memory locations can be used for storing sequences of microinstructions or scratch pad information. The number of storage locations defining the scratch pad area can be increased or decreased as required by assigning tag addresses to a desired number of scratch pad storage locations when the microinstruction routines are being assembled. In this manner, the locations defining the scratch pad areas can be tailored to the particular system operation to be performed. This eliminates the need for modifying the control store circuits to change the size of the control store scratch pad area.

Abstract: A host system includes a microprogrammed processing unit which couples a foreign processing unit to the main memory of the host system. The microprogrammed processing unit also couples to an interface connected to the foreign processor. During operation, the host processor transfers a channel command to the microprogrammed processing unit which is operative under firmware control to perform the various control functions required for initiating a particular job. In this manner, the various parameters and information necessary to dispatch a job of the foreign processor is accomplished expeditiously under the firmware control in response to commands issued by the host processor.