Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biointerface membranes utilized with implantable devices, such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to novel biointerface membranes, to devices and implantable devices including these membranes, methods for forming the biointerface membranes on or around the implantable devices, and to methods for monitoring glucose levels in a biological fluid sample using an implantable analyte detection device.

Abstract: A transcutaneous sensor device configured for continuously measuring analyte concentrations in a host is provided. In some embodiments, the transcutaneous sensor device 100 comprises an in vivo portion 160 configured for insertion under the skin 180 of the host and an ex vivo portion 170 configured to remain above the surface of the skin 180 of the host after sensor insertion of the in vivo portion. The in vivo portion may comprise a tissue piercing element 110 configured for piercing the skin 180 of the host and a sensor body 120 comprising a material or support member 130 that provides sufficient column strength to allow the sensor body to be pushable in a host tissue without substantial buckling. The ex vivo portion 170 may be configured to comprise (or operably connect to) a sensor electronics unit and may comprise a mounting unit 150. Also described here are various configurations of the sensor body and the tissue piercing element that may be used to protect the membrane of the sensor body.

Abstract: A removable seat assembly for mounting on an all-terrain vehicle, which seat assembly is characterized by a base plate frame for mounting on an ATV and receiving a fixed or rotatable pedestal or a pedestal having a rotatable pedestal flange, and a seat attached to the pedestal or the pedestal flange. The base plate frame is designed to permanently or removably weld, clamp or bolt on the utility rack of an all-terrain vehicle or mount on a seat slide, and a swivel mechanism may be interposed between the seat pedestal and the seat or between the seat pedestal and the base plate frame or seat slide to facilitate rotation of the seat with respect to the base plate frame and the all-terrain vehicle. In another embodiment a pair of support arms extend upwardly from a support arm mount secured to the rotatable seat, pedestal or pedestal flange and terminate in a top frame carrying a cover to protect and camouflage the occupant of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming glass-ceramic tiles. Fly ash containing organic material, metal contaminants, and glass forming materials is oxidized under conditions effective to combust the organic material and partially oxidize the metallic contaminants and the glass forming materials. The oxidized glass forming materials are vitrified to form a glass melt. This glass melt is then formed into tiles containing metallic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming ceramic tiles having the appearance of tiles produced from clays. The process includes melting a material to form a glass melt, treating the glass melt to produce a solid glass product, grinding the solid glass product to produce glass particles having a particle size of less than 200 microns, mixing the glass particles with a first additive to form a glass powder mixture having a composition of 55 to 99 wt. % glass particles and 45-1 wt. % first additive, forming the glass powder mixture into tiles by dry pressing, where the tiles have a primary crystalline phase selected from the group consisting of nepheline, diopside, anorthite, wollastonite, melilite, merwinite, spinel, akermanite, gehlenite, crystalline phases based on iron substitutions in the crystalline phase, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A laser vibrometer which includes a laser, a laser beam splitter, two reflectors, an optical processor which includes two optical sensors, a digitizer for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, a flip-flop circuit, and a counter.