Abstract: A platelet rich plasma preparation system and devices having a whole blood centrifuge tube (100) and a plasma centrifuge tube (200) wherein fill tubes (206) and vent tubes (113) are in fixed position and guards are provided to protect the fill tubes and vent tubes during use with a centrifuge. The fixed tubes and guards (114, 210) prevent kinks in the tubes and/or blockages that render the components of the system and the samples contained therein useless.

Abstract: A system for optically characterizing an acoustic beam generally includes an immersant, which is an immersion medium seeded with a plurality of seed particles that respond to illumination with fluorescence indicative of at least one parameter of the immersant such as flow or temperature. Optical transmitters illuminate the immersant slicewise, and optical receptors receive the fluorescence in order to generate a three-dimensional map of the parameter over time. A processor back-calculates one or more characteristics of an acoustic beam that results in the map. The processor initially generates a behavior model of an acoustic beam propagating in the immersant by utilizing initial guesses for the characteristics. The initial guess model is compared to the map, and an optimization routine is used to refine the initial guesses. The process repeats iteratively with refined guesses until the difference between the model and the map is minimized.

Abstract: A feed table with force reaction system for counteracting clamping forces on a shuttle vise used to move a workpiece toward a machine tool. In a first embodiment, lever arms are attached to an upper guide rail between two vertical columns. A reaction actuator interconnects upper ends of the lever arms such that when actuated, a reaction force is applied to the vertical columns by lower ends of the lever arms to counteract clamping forces created by a clamping actuator attached to one of the vertical columns. In a second embodiment, lever arms are also used and interconnected at the upper ends thereof by a reaction bar. A reaction actuator is attached to a lower end of each of the lever arms to apply the reaction force. In third and fourth embodiments, a clamping force bar is positioned above the upper guide beam. A clamping actuator is attached to the clamping force bar such that clamping forces are not transmitted to the vertical columns.

Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A feed table with force reaction system for counteracting clamping forces on a shuttle vise used to move a workpiece toward a machine tool. In a first embodiment, lever arms are attached to an upper guide rail between two vertical columns. A reaction actuator interconnects upper ends of the lever arms such that when actuated, a reaction force is applied to the vertical columns by lower ends of the lever arms to counteract clamping forces created by a clamping actuator attached to one of the vertical columns. In a second embodiment, lever arms are also used and interconnected at the upper ends thereof by a reaction bar. A reaction actuator is attached to a lower end of each of the lever arms to apply the reaction force. In third and fourth embodiments, a clamping force bar is positioned above the upper guide beam. A clamping actuator is attached to the clamping force bar such that clamping forces are not transmitted to the vertical columns.

Abstract: An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A adjustable shuttle stop apparatus for use in controlling feeding of material to a machining operation on a machine tool, such as a band saw. The apparatus comprises a feed conveyor, a band saw adjacent to the feed conveyor, a shuttle vise movably disposed on the feed conveyor, and an adjustable stop on the feed conveyor for adjusting a distance between the stop and the shuttle vise and for stopping the shuttle vise at the cutting position. The adjustable stop compensates for undesired movement of the shuttle vise caused by clamping the workpiece such that the distance between the stop and the shuttle vise remains substantially constant. This allows for a consistent cut length of the workpiece on subsequent cutting cycles. Different embodiments of the adjustable stop are disclosed along with a method of use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bandsaw (21) and bandsaw controller (39) adapted for control f at least one of the feed rate, cutting force and cutting speed of a bandsaw blade (24) as the blade cuts a workpiece (26). The controller includes an input device (61) adapted to provide signals to the cutting rate control assembly including a cutting rate signal, a break-in mode signal and a break-through mode signal. The cutting rate control assembly is responsive to the break-in mode signal to begin cutting of workpiece (26) at a break-in cutting rate below the desired cutting rate and to increase the break-in cutting rate automatically, as a function of time until the desired cutting rate is achieved. The cutting rate control assembly is further responsive to the break-through mode signal to reduce the saw cutting rate just before the saw blade (24) exits from the workpiece (26). A method of operation of the bandsaw (21) to effect saw blade break-in and prevent detrimental saw blade break-through also is provided.

Abstract: A multipositioning power mobility aid for physically challenged children is provided. The power mobility aid provides a transition to a power wheelchair. The power mobility aid includes a multipositioning main frame that allows a child to be placed in a sitting, semi-standing or standing position without requiring multiple adjustments. The back support rotates to a nonsupporting position to facilitate placing a child in or removing a child from the power mobility aid. The back support then locks into an upright supporting position after the child is positioned in the power mobility aid. The power mobility aid includes an adjustable arm that supports the user-operable input device in multiple locations.

Abstract: A feed table apparatus (30) for moving a workpiece (31) toward a machine tool. The apparatus (30) comprises a roller assembly (32) which provides rolling support of the workpiece (31) toward machine tool and a shuttle vise assembly (36) for moving the workpiece (31) longitudinally along the roller assembly (32). The shuttle vise (36) includes a reaction frame (37) having a first upright post (40) and a second upright post (40') A coupling mechanism (43) movably mounts the reaction frame (37) directly to the elongated roller framework (33) for longitudinal relative movement therealong. The coupling mechanism (43) further couples the reaction frame (37) to the roller framework (33) in a manner transferring reaction forces, caused by clamping the workpiece (31) with opposing vise jaws (41, 41') to the roller framework (33).

Abstract: A method for cutting at least one elongated workpiece (13b) with a saw head assembly (10b) having a cutting blade (11b). The saw assembly (10b) further includes a guide mechanism for providing relative guided movement between the cutting blade (11b) and the workpiece (13b) along a cutting line (14b). The method comprises the steps of placing the workpiece (13b) across the cutting line (14b). Further, moving at least one of the cutting blade (11b) and the workpiece (13b) along the cutting line (14b) from a starting position (28b) on one side (27b') of said workpiece (13b) to a parked position (37b) on an opposite side (27b) of the workpiece (13b). In the parked position, the entire cutting stretch is positioned beyond the workpiece (13b). Next, the cut part or portion (32b) is displaced away from the cutting line (14b) using the workpiece (13b), while the cutting blade (11b) is in the parked position (37b).

Abstract: A vise assembly providing clamping of workpieces and pantographic displacement of opposed vise jaw members in parallel in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece. The vise assembly is a shuttle vise, and the pantographic mounting assembly is used with band saw apparatus in production cutting of bar stock, which tends to warp along its longitudinal axis. The vise assembly includes a clamping mechanism for holding the movable vise jaw against the vise ways to prevent diverging of the vise jaw faces and urging of large diameter workpieces up and out of the gripping jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for detecting lateral deviation of a band saw blade (36) from the desired line of cut which includes an angularly displaceable element (54) slidably engaging the saw blade (36) for pivotal movement therewith. A relatively rigid mounting assembly (52,64) mounts the angularly displaceable element (54) for rotation while resisting lateral displacement. Lateral blade deviation is proportionately determined when angular displacement is sensed by a sensor (55) as the blade (36) contacts the displaceable element (54) rotating it about an axis (53) through the desired plane of the blade (36). The angular deflection sensing assembly 50 also may be incorporated into a guide arm (32).

Abstract: Band saw apparatus is disclosed which includes cutting enhancement apparatus formed for tilting of the cutting stretch of the band saw blade to vary the force per unit area of the cutting edge of the blade on the workpiece. The cutting enhancement apparatus which tilts the blade at both guide assemblies is shown. The saw carriage is movably mounted to the remainder of the saw to be substantially free to rebound or move away from the workpiece during tilting of the blade to avoid digging in or shearing off of the blade teeth and to permit close spacing of the blade guides next to the workpiece. The saw includes a feed control system having both an orifice control circuit and a support force control circuit. A method is disclosed which is comprised of using the support force circuit to vary the rate of cutting during the cut to prevent overloading of the blade and/or stalling of the machine. Sensors feedback signals which adjust the support force circuit to control feeding.

Abstract: Band saw apparatus for cutting multiple workpieces simultaneously having more than two blade guide assemblies formed for sliding engagement with a continuous loop saw blade to define at least two saw blade cutting stretches. A vise assembly is also provided to separate multiple workpieces in at least two spaced workpiece retaining channels generally aligned with the saw blade cutting stretches. The band saw apparatus is particularly suitable for cutting multiple workpieces having a relatively small diameter. An improved method for cutting multiple workpieces simultaneously is also provided.

Abstract: Band saw apparatus is disclosed which includes a drive assembly formed for support and guided movement of a saw blade for cutting of a workpiece, an endless band saw blade mounted to the drive assembly, and reciprocation apparatus formed for reciprocation of the blade toward and away away from the workpiece to enable see-sawing of the blade and variation of the force per unit area of the cutting edge of the blade on the workpiece while maintaining the same total force on the blade. To enhance toward and efficiency of cutting the blade drive assembly is mounted to the remainder of the saw to be substantially free to rebound or move away from the workpiece during reciprocation to avoid digging in or shearing off of the blade teeth and to permit close spacing of the blade guides next to the workpiece. The saw includes a control circuit for controlling the rate of movement of the saw arm away from and toward the workpiece to enable timing of saw arm rebound to blade displacement.

Abstract: A hydrophone device with one or more very small active spots located on a large continuous ferroelectric sheet, such as PVDF, overcomes many of the problems in prior art constructions associated with the high dielectric constant of various media in which the device is used. Additional improvements include increased signal to noise ratio and a sensitivity independent of the medium properties. The hydrophone device includes a piezoelectrically active sheet stretched and clamped on over the top of a hoop ring. A backing is attached to the back of the hoop ring. A low-dielectric material fills the space between the backing and the sheet. This material eliminates the capacitive loading effect which would otherwise be presented by the medium being probed.