Abstract: The subject invention provides a hand-held medical apparatus (10) for detecting a predetermined component of user breath and producing a breath-component signal over a measurement time. Such breath-component signal may be correlated to a user fat metabolism indicator.

Abstract: A switched capacitor array circuit for use in a voltage regulator, including L, M and N banks of capacitor positions disposed intermediate an input node and a ground node, between the input and output nodes and between the output node and the ground node, respectively. Switching circuitry operates to switch three capacitors between a common phase configuration and a gain phase configuration. Two of the capacitors are disposed in one of the L, M and N banks of capacitor positions, with the third capacitor being disposed in a different one of the L, M and N banks of capacitor positions in the common phase configuration. When switched from the common phase to the gain phase configuration, at least one of the three capacitors is moved to a different capacitor position.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyurethane films is disclosed, comprising electrodepositing the film onto a substrate from a polyurethane dispersion. One advantage of the electrodeposition process of the present invention is that there is no need for an additional step to remove coagulants from the films, as with conventional coagulation processes. Another advantage is that in using electrodeposition, the amount of water that must be removed during a dewatering step is minimized. A third advantage is that the resulting film demonstrates much greater uniformity in thickness as compare to films prepared by conventional coagulation techniques. The present invention has applicability in, for example, medical applications.

Abstract: A switched capacitor array circuit and method, with the array circuit being coupled between an input node and an output node and which is capable of providing multiple gain states. The array circuit includes an L band of capacitor positions disposed between the input node and a third node, typically the circuit common, an M bank of capacitor positions coupled between the input and output nodes and an N bank of capacitor positions coupled between the output node and the third node. Each of the L, M and N banks of capacitor positions includes series and parallel capacitor positions. In one embodiment, the array includes first, second and third capacitors together with switching circuitry and control circuitry. The control circuitry causes the switching circuitry to switch the array circuit between a common phase configuration and a gain phase configuration so as to provide a gain state value Gsc.

Abstract: A switched capacitor circuit, for use in voltage converters and the like, which includes a switched capacitor array, a plurality of MOS transistor switches and drive circuitry for controlling the state of the switches. The drive circuitry alternates between a first phase where at least one capacitor of the array is connected by the switches between an input node and an output node and a second phase where the capacitor is connected in series between one of the output and input nodes and a third node, such as a circuit common. Boost and buck gain configurations are achieved when connected to the output and input nodes, respectively. A voltage management feature is implemented to control voltages produced in the array so that no PN junction of the transistor switches formed by a body and the drain/source regions disposed in the body becomes forward biased.

Abstract: A portable pencil pocket 10 has one or more compartments for holding pencils 40,42. The pocket is made of plastic webbing that is folded at one end to form a pocket 20 and at the other end to form a loop 22. A shower clip 50 holds the pocket 10 to an article of clothing, such as a belt loop or button hole.

Abstract: This invention is a composite membrane for chemical synthesis, a chemical reactor into which the composite membrane might be incorporated, and a method of using the composite membrane. The composite membrane comprises a substrate, a first side, and a second side, wherein the substrate operatively connects the first side and second side, the first side comprises an oxidizing catalyst and the second side comprises a reducing catalyst. The reducing catalyst comprises, in elemental or combinative form, lanthanum, zinc, cerium, praeseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, bismuth, or indium. A chemical reactor utilizing this composite membrane can react hydrogen and oxygen to form hydrogen peroxide without direct mixture of the reactants.

Abstract: This invention is a composite membrane for chemical synthesis, a method of using the composite membrane, and a chemical reactor into which the composite membrane might be incorporated. The composite membrane comprises a multiphase conducting path having both a cation conductive phase and an electron conductive phase. Surfaces of the composite membrane can be supplied with appropriate catalyst layers in order to increase favorability of a given reaction. By placing appropriate composition(s) in contact with each surface of the composite membrane, cations and electrons are conducted from one surface through the composite membrane to the other surface in order to form reaction products without the use of an external electrical circuit. A chemical reactor utilizing this composite membrane may safely react such elements as H.sub.2 and O.sub.2 to form H.sub.2 O.sub.2 at room temperature without input of external electricity or use of complex electrical equipment or organic solvents.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell comprising:(a) an anode; and(b) a cathode having a pyropolymer present on at least a portion of its surface.

Abstract: A method comprising contacting an organic polymer viscosified halide ion-containing, aqueous solution with a sufficient amount of an in situ, electrochemically generated breaker suitable to reduce the viscosity of the solution.

Abstract: The invention is a method for dissolving copper in the presence of iron comprising:(a) contacting the copper with an oxidant solution;(b) dissolving at least a portion of the copper into the solution;(c) controlling the copper ion concentration in the solution below that required to cause a runaway oxidant decomposition reaction;(d) removing at least a portion of the dissolved copper from the solution;(e) adding additional oxidant to the solution; and(f) at least repeating steps (a) and (b).

Abstract: The invention is a separator-gas electrode combination comprising a separator having a first and a second face adapted to permit the flow of fluids or ions therethrough; a gas electrode adapted to permit a liquid and a gas to enter and exit the electrode and having at least a first and a second face; and a non-conductive self-draining member having a fluid outlet. The self-draining member has at least two faces; at least a portion of a first face contiguous to at least a portion of one face of the separator and at least a portion of a second face contiguous to at least a portion of one face of the gas electrode. The self-draining member has a plurality of interconnected passageways which are in fluid transferring communication with the separator, the gas electrode, and the fluid outlet and provide the major conduit therebetween.

Abstract: The invention includes in its scope a method for electrochemically reacting a liquid with a gas in an electrochemical cell of the type having at least two electrodes separated by a liquid permeable separator. At least one of said electrodes is in physical contact with the separator and is porous and self-draining. A gas is flowed into at least a portion of the pores of the self-draining electrode and a liquid is controllably flowed through the separator and into the self-draining electrode at a rate about equal to the drainage rate of the electrode and in a quantity sufficient to fill only a portion of the electrode pores. The liquid and the gas are electrochemically reacted to form at least one nonvolatile product. Thereafter, the products of the electrochemical reaction are removed from said self-draining electrode.

Abstract: The invention includes within its scope a method for producing a dual porosity body from a substrate having a plurality of passageways traversing the substrate and connecting a first surface with a generally opposing second surface by depositing a solid material onto the walls of at least a portion of the passageways adjoining only the first surface and stopping the deposition when the diameter of the passageways being coated have been reduced to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A particle suitable for use as an electrode material comprising a substrate at least partially coated with an admixture of a hydrophobic material and an electrochemically active, electrically conductive catalyst.The invention includes a method for producing the coated particles.

Abstract: A particle suitable for use as an electrode material comprising a substrate at least partially coated with an admixture of a hydrophobic material and an electrochemically active, electrically conductive catalyst.The invention includes a method for producing the coated particles.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell containing a separator-gas electrode combination comprising a separator having a first and a second face adapted to permit the flow of fluids or ions therethrough; a gas electrode adapted to permit a liquid and a gas to enter and exit the electrode and having at least a first and a second face; and a nonconductive self-draining member having a fluid outlet. The self-draining member has at least two faces; at least a portion of a first face contiguous to at least a portion of one face of the separator and at least a portion of a second face contiguous to at least a portion of one face of the gas electrode. The self-draining member has a plurality of interconnected passageways which are in fluid transferring communication with the separator, the gas electrode, and the fluid outlet and provide the major conduit therebetween. The invention also includes a method for electrochemically reacting a gas with a liquid in the cell above.

Abstract: An improved aqueous electrolyte solution adapted to minimize the decomposition of peroxide formed during electrolysis comprising an alkali metal compound, an impurity catalytically active for the decomposition of peroxides and a stabilizing agent at a concentration sufficient to render at least a portion of the catalytically active materials inactive.The invention also includes a process for the production of peroxides which comprises electrolyzing the solution described above.

Abstract: A porous, two layer electrode which may be used as an anode or a cathode and a cell using one or more of the electrodes. The electrode is in a pocket shaped configuration with the inner layer having interstitial passageways which are larger in diameter than the diameter of the corresponding interstitial passageways in the outer layer. The layers may be composed of metallic particles. A catalytically active material may be applied to the electrode. The electrodes are particularly useful as oxygen depolarized cathodes in electrolytic processes.