Abstract: The portable ventilator of the present invention provides a hands-free ventilatory support device in critical care, emergency, and resource-limited environments. The portable ventilator utilizes ambient air and includes a two dual head compressor system to provide a consistent air supply to the patient. The ventilator device is battery operated and is capable of providing up to 60 minutes of care. In a preferred embodiment, the portable ventilator of the present invention also includes a pneumatic subsystem, a control subsystem, a power subsystem and an alarm subsystem. The portable ventilator of the preferred embodiment includes a dual head and single head compressor system that operates alternatively, to provide a consistent and continuous inhalation and exhalation cycle. A portable ventilator of a second preferred embodiment includes a sole dual-head compressor that operates to provide a consistent and continuous inhalation and exhalation cycle.

Abstract: A contact lens (10) for use in controlling or retarding the progression of myopia in an eye has a central optical zone (20) approximating the normal diameter of the pupil of the eye (22) that gives clear central vision at distance for the wearer. An annular peripheral optical zone 24 that is substantially outside the diameter of the pupil is formed around the central optical zone (20) with greater refractive power than that of the central zone (22) so that oblique rays entering the eye through the peripheral optical zone (24) will be brought to focus at a focal plane that is substantially on or anterior to the peripheral region of the retina. Preferably, the rear surface (16) of the lens is shaped to conform to the cornea of the eye and the front surface (18) of the lens (10) is shaped to provide—in conjunction with the rear surface (16)—the desired optical properties of the central and peripheral optical zones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling optical aberrations to alter relative curvature of field by providing optical devices and methods comprising the repositioning of peripheral off-axis focal points relative to the retina to produce stimulus for influencing the progression of refractive error while simultaneously controlling the position of the central focal point near to the retina to provide clear central vision and simultaneously providing zones of controlled peripheral defocus and other optical aberrations to improve peripheral vision for select directions of gaze.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling optical aberrations to alter relative curvature of field by providing ocular apparatuses, systems and methods comprising a predetermined corrective factor to produce at least one substantially corrective stimulus for repositioning peripheral, off-axis, focal points relative to the central, on-axis or axial focal point while maintaining the positioning of the central, on-axis or axial focal point on the retina. The invention will be used to provide continuous, useful clear visual images while simultaneously retarding or abating the progression of myopia or hypermetropia.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for beneficiating a titaniferous ore. The process comprises leaching the titaniferous ore with sulfuric acid to form a leached ore, calcining the leached ore in the presence of oxygen to form a calcined ore, and leaching the calcined ore with sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and/or nitric acid to form a beneficiated ore. The leached ore is not reduced prior to or following calcination.

Abstract: The portable ventilator of the present invention provides a hands-free ventilatory support device in critical care, emergency, and resource-limited environments. The portable ventilator utilizes ambient air and includes a two dual head compressor system to provide a consistent air supply to the patient. The ventilator device is battery operated and is capable of providing up to 60 minutes of care. In a preferred embodiment, the portable ventilator of the present invention also includes a pneumatic subsystem, a control subsystem, a power subsystem and an alarm subsystem. The portable ventilator of the preferred embodiment includes a dual head and single head compressor system that operates alternatively, to provide a consistent and continuous inhalation and exhalation cycle. A portable ventilator of a second preferred embodiment includes a sole dual-head compressor that operates to provide a consistent and continuous inhalation and exhalation cycle.

Abstract: A composite wall tie structure is disclosed for supporting or anchoring building materials to a building structure. The composite wall tie has a vertical leg for affixation to a building structure and a horizontal leg for placement in the mortar between courses of building materials. The horizontal portion of the wall tie has bristle-like protuberances and/or perforations thereon for anchoring the leg within mortar. The materials of construction of the wall tie are preferably selected from composites that are moisture impermeable and corrosion resistant. The wall tie system may also comprise a mounting and alignment bracket attached to the vertical legs of multiple wall ties at regular horizontal intervals to accommodate the secure attachment of wall ties to wall studs.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for scanning food products to determine at least one property of the food product. In one embodiment, two sources of the food product, such as a low fat and a high fat source, controllably feed into a grinder. The grinder feeds into an x-ray analysis apparatus which is adapted to determine the desired property of the food product by x-ray analysis. A controller then forms a feedback loop which controls the relative amount of food product being feed from each of the food product sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructive inspection of materials housed in containers involves orienting an X-ray beam emitter and detector to direct and detect an X-ray beam at an angle substantially parallel to a sloped surface of the container to be inspected. A first X-ray apparatus is located opposite a second X-ray apparatus, and both the first and second X-ray apparatus are adapted to provide two X-ray beams. This arrangement provides for imaging of the entire area of a sloped portion of the container without any shadow or hidden spots.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. In some embodiments each wheel is suspended from the vehicle by a pair of pivotal support arms. Preferably, one arm is located above the other arm, and both arms pivot along pivot axes that are generally perpendicular to the rotational axis of the supported wheel. A spring urges one of the arms apart from the frame. In other embodiments, the spring is placed beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In some embodiments both of the pivoting support arms are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A machine for reducing material that includes a rotatable cutting drum. In a preferred embodiment there is disclosed a machine for reducing material which includes a rotatable, tapered cutting drum and a flywheel. In another preferred embodiment, there is disclosed a machine for reducing material which includes a rotatable, tapered cutting drum and a discharge assembly. In still another preferred embodiment there is disclosed a machine for reducing material which includes a rotatable, tapered cutting drum, a flywheel and a discharge assembly.

Abstract: Processes for the efficient and economical beneficiation of titaniferous ore are provided. A unique process for beneficiating ore comprising pretreatment of the ore by oxidation and reduction, followed by acid leaching with sulfuric acid has been developed. The acid used in this process may be recycled, which will thereby increase the efficiency of the process. Preferably the ore treated according to the present invention is ilmenite ore.

Abstract: A composite lintel structure is disclosed for spanning openings in a building structure and for supporting building materials thereon. The composite lintel structure has a vertical leg for affixation to a building structure and a horizontal leg for placement of one or more courses of building materials thereon. The materials of construction of the lintel structure are preferably selected from composites that are moisture impermeable and corrosion resistant. The lintel structure may also comprise one or more stiffeners rigidly or adjustably attached between the horizontal and vertical legs to accommodate load transference from the horizontal leg to the vertical leg of the lintel structure.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for scanning food products to determine at least one property of the food product. In one embodiment, two sources of the food product, such as a low fat and a high fat source, controllably feed into a grinder. The grinder feeds into an x-ray analysis apparatus which is adapted to determine the desired property of the food product by x-ray analysis. A controller then forms a feedback loop which controls the relative amount of food product being feed from each of the food product sources.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructive inspection of materials housed in containers involves orienting an X-ray beam emitter and detector to direct and detect an X-ray beam at an angle substantially parallel to a sloped surface of the container to be inspected. A first X-ray apparatus is located opposite a second X-ray apparatus, and both the first and second X-ray apparatus are adapted to provide two X-ray beams. This arrangement provides for imaging of the entire area of a sloped portion of the container without any shadow or hidden spots.

Abstract: Processes for the efficient and economical beneficiation of titaniferous ore are provided. A unique process for beneficiating ore comprising pretreatment of the ore by oxidation and reduction, followed by acid leaching with sulfuric acid has been developed. The acid used in this process may be recycled, which will thereby increase the efficiency of the process. Preferably the ore treated according to the present invention is ilmenite ore.

Abstract: A shaving preparation aid with ingredients for lubricating the skin, extending razor edge life and post-shave skin conditioning. A basic water-alcohol mix is further combined with an edible, dietary or otherwise soluble or wetable mucilate, preferably psyllium fiber, to realize, in this fundamental form, a combination sufficient to achieve the aforesaid properties. Other substances are disclosed such as polyether(s), vitamin E (tocopherol), glycerol, lecithin and perfumes that, in combination with the basics, serve to promote one property over the others or add more aesthetic character to the invention. The compositiors are applied to the skin as both pre- and post-shave conditioners, as well as to the blade edge for preservation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an environmental charging system for providing energy electrically fused bombs without the need for external charging equipment. The system comprises an electrically fused bomb having conventional existing charging well which charging well is usually centrally located along the longitudinal portion of the bomb. An energizing means, which is adapted to be actuated by slip stream air, is fixed within a charging device which is located within the charging well. The energizing means is designed to pop up out of the charging device as the bomb is released from the aircraft such that in its pop-up position it receives slip-stream air which in turn actuates the device. Means are provided for making electrical contact between the energizing means and the bomb only when the energizing means is in its pop-up position.

Abstract: Herein described is an almond tree which exhibits heavy clusters of almonds on a tree having sturdy branches and producing a sweet tasting nut of excellent quality with a semi-soft shell and characterized by the fact that it blooms at about the same time as the Nonpareil (unpatented) and is harvested immediately after the Nonpareil.