Abstract: A template for placing electrodes for electroencephalography of acute-brain-injured victims is provided which modifies the number of electrode locations from that taught by the standard 10-20 System, and which has indicia that can be quickly and easily read by non-experts during emergency application; an acquisition unit is provided which provides a turn-key interface to the non-expert personnel who routinely attend acutely brain-injured victims, preventing change or modification of the electroencephalogram parameters by the field technician, while at the same time allowing extensive control over parameters by a remote expert EEG reader; and a method and system is provided using the template and acquisition unit of the present invention with one of a plurality of remote readers who are part of a network of trained EEG readers.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a pair of water treatment tanks, each tank defining a flow path extending from a tank inlet to a tank outlet and containing a water treatment material disposed along the flow path for removing sulfur or H2S from the water. A system controller controls the frequency of regeneration of an exhausted tank as well as the regeneration cycle. The system includes a regenerant reservoir containing 5.25% sodium hypochloride which is generally available as household bleach. During a regeneration cycle, the bleach is drawn through a restrictor preferably in the form of a capillary tube that forms part of a draw tube assembly.

Abstract: A water treatment system for removing hard ions from source water. The water treatment system is of the type that includes a pair of ion-exchange water softener tanks connectable to a source of pressurized water and with a water system to supply softened water to the water system, the tanks each being capable of regeneration by flushing with a regeneration solution to replenish depleted ions. A process for preventing system failure due to salt crystallization includes flowing water during brine replenishment from a second nozzle and a first nozzle at a defined ratio. The first nozzle diluted the brine in a reservoir after regeneration cycle is complete. The second nozzle replenishes brine by flowing water directly onto a salt material.

Abstract: A fluid warming device for warming blood and other fluids prior to introduction into a patient. The counterflow fluid bags utilize a flat counter flow pathway which provides high flow performance and ensuring uniform, gradual and energy efficient blood warming. The warming device contains a pair of opposed, identical heater elements. The guide rails of the bag align the counter flow passageway for the fluid so that the bag is spaced and located precisely between the heater elements. The heater is provided with a receptive slot down the middle, in a horizontal plane, with two different sized guide slots, one on each side of the receptive slot. A pair of guide rails, integrated into the sides of the bag, are parallel to one another providing sufficient rigidity for easy insertion of the bag, and being sized to allow easy insertion in only the correct orientation. The blood warmer preferably incorporates a microprocessor for precise control of the electric current provided to the heater.

Abstract: This invention relates to halide glasses which have particular utility as hosts for rare earth elements in order to provide optical amplification by laser activity. The glasses are characterized in that the metal content is similar to conventional ZBLAN glasses except that it has been discovered that the replacement of Al by Y and In and the use of more than one alkali metal fluoride, e.g., NaF, CsF and LiF, has synergistic benefits. The synergistic benefits are good lasing performance (due to the low content of aluminum) and good stability in spite of the low content of aluminum. Pr.sup.3+ constitutes a good lasing species for amplifying telecommunications signals at 1300 nm using pump radiation at 1020 nm.

Abstract: A multiplexing power converter for use with a single inductor for providing multiple power outputs is disclosed. The multiplexing power converter includes first switching means for providing a first low resistance path for current to flow from a power source through an inductor so as to energize the inductor, and at least one second switching means for providing at least one second low resistance path for current to flow from the inductor so as to deenergize the inductor and provide an output current. Only one low resistance current path is provided at any one time.

Abstract: A method of forming knife blades from a flat section of pre-hardened metal such that each blade has a predetermined shape, includes the steps of photo-chemically etching a plurality of blanks from the section of metal so that each blank has a respective predetermined shape; and sharpening at least one edge of each blank by grinding the at least one edge.

Abstract: A visual (as opposed to mechanical or electronic) method for detecting the state of dehydration (or hydration) of a biomedical hydrogel is disclosed. The method contemplates incorporating a pH sensitive indicator into the hydrogel as it is prepared and applying the hydrogel to the skin-contacting surface of a biomedical device such as an electrode. Shortly before the biomedical device is to be used, the color of the hydrogel on the device is visually compared with its freshly-prepared color to determine the approximate state of dehydration of the gel.

Abstract: A salt seasoning mixture comprised of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and encapsulated citric acid. The encapsulation of the citric acid dissolves in a user's mouth within 1 to 10 seconds to mask the bitter aftertaste of potassium chloride in the mixture.

Abstract: A refrigerating package is disclosed which comprises a multicompartment gussetted design in which the gusset is formed of a folded in or pleated section, with liquid being placed therein. The gussetted compartment is folded into another compartment and is sealed, the other compartment receiving a refrigerating chemical, the opening of the other compartment being sealed after the refrigerating chemicals are loaded therein. By direct application of pressure to the gussetted compartment, a rupture takes place allowing the liquid container therein to mix with the refrigerating chemical thus producing an endothermic or exothermic reaction, as desired.